The library was established in February 1921, in the Lincoln School (now Fishburn Avenue School) and was called Maywood Free Public Library. In 1924, the library moved to Pine Avenue and was open four days a week, from 2:00 - 5:00 and 7:00 - 8:00. It remained at that location until 1938, when it moved next to City Hall.

Early in 1948, unable to renew its lease, it seemed that the library would have to go into storage. The Chamber of Commerce and concerned citizens arranged for it to be moved to Pine Avenue in March 1948.

In 1961, the library moved to its current site next to the city hall; it was dedicated on October 20, 1961.

In September, 1993, the city council rededicated the library in honor of César Chávez, so the library is now the Maywood César Chávez Library.