The Ilion Free Public Library opened on Friday, October 27, 1893. The building, which cost $30,000, was the gift of Clarence W. Seamans, of the firm Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict, whose typewriter factories were in Ilion. The citizens of the village raised $5,000 for the purchase of books. The architect was George P. Chappell, of New York City. The first librarian was Anna Perkins, and Miss May Leach was an assistant.

In September 1971, a new addition was opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The renovation and addition were designed by Architect Helen Gillespie of Grainer and Gillespi, Syracuse, N.Y..