Established in 1849, the North Brisbane School of Arts occupied a building on the corner of Creek and Queens Streets where members could enjoy the library, classes and lectures. It opened in new premises in Anne Street in 1878 in a renovated building built in 1866 to house newly-arrived girls awaiting employment as domestic servants. A hall was added at the back in 1884 to accommodate the Brisbane Technical College operated by the school of arts until 1902. Another extension was added to the side in 1908 to accommodate the expanding library

When membership declined in the twenties and thirties, income was generated from shops built along Anne Street. The Brisbane City Council took ownership of the building in 1966 and continued to operate the library until 1981.When it re-opened in 1985 after a full restoration to its original glory, the building was made available to community groups.