Library service in Cudahy dates back to 1913. At that time, the library operated out of a private home. In 1914, the library moved to a room in a school and was open for an hour on Wednesdays and for three hours on Saturdays. Then known as the Antonio Library, circulation for the year was 4,936.

In 1924, the library moved again, once more occupying a private home. Mrs. Burke was the librarian, a position she was to hold from 1914 through 1936. Patron usage was highest in the areas of gardening, poultry, and scientific subjects.

In 1936, another move; another private home; and circulation was up-14,513. In 1939 deliveries of books to San Antonio Library were made via Pony Express.

In 1946, the library moved again, this time to its own building and circulation was up to 21,992 after the decline during the war years. Growth continued until, in need of space, books, increased hours, the library closed, temporarily, in May of 1957 - to reopen in its own facility adjacent to City Hall, on September 14, 1968.

Today the library serves a community of about 24,000 people of diverse ethnic backgrounds.