The earliest history of library service in Farmington was never recorded. Little is known other than that school libraries served the populace; teachers hand-delivered books from the school to people who were interested in reading. We only know that such libraries existed because it is noted that they were "re-established" in 1881. This "re-established" service is not comparable to library service offered today; books could be checked out beginning Saturday, December 17, 1881, and every other Saturday thereafter, between the hours of three and eight o'clock. Patrons were limited to one book per person for a two week loan period, with a fine of $.05 per week if the book was overdue. This situation was to continue for the next thirty-two years.

During that period, in 1908, a state law was passed which provided for the establishment of at least one library in each township and city. Per the 1835 State Constitution, city, township, and county fines assessed and collected for any breach in the penal laws were to be exclusively applied to the support of public libraries. The matter of penal fine funding was overlooked by Farmington authorities, until it was brought to the attention of the Township Board by two teachers, Martha M. Schroeder and Andrew Crosby. The Board was agreeable to the idea; proceeds of the fines were thereafter earmarked for the library. As a result in 1913, $2.11 was authorized for library purposes.

However, in 1913, the city fathers were forced to recognize the need for library facilities. The Farmington teachers, having decided they could not teach and be librarians too, brought the contents of their libraries to the Town Hall, and stored them on the vestibule floor.