The State Library was created in 1907 as the Public Library Commission and started in one room in the State Capitol. In 1909, it was renamed the State Library Commission.
From 1924 to 1970, the library was located in the Liberty Memorial Building on the Capitol grounds. It later moved to the Randal Building north of Bismarck. In 1979, it became the North Dakota State Library. In 1982, it moved back to the Liberty Memorial Building, where it is still located today.
The Liberty Memorial Building, located on the Capitol Mall in Bismarck, was built to provide space for state agencies and to honor those who served in World War I. Construction began in 1920, and the building opened in 1924. It cost $415,000 to build.
The building is designed in a classical style, common for federal buildings of that time. It has a limestone exterior, a granite foundation, and Bedford Stone walls at ground level. The main doors are made of decorative bronze.
Inside, the lobby walls are made of Kasota Stone from Minnesota. The hallways and grand staircase use travertine from Italy. The floors are made of terrazzo and marble, and the railings include Italian stone. The ceiling is made of molded plaster squares.
The building was renovated in 1981 to meet modern standards while keeping its original design features.