In 1936, thirteen local clubs contributed funds to start a subscription library in the Buena Vista County community of Albert City. The library charged $1 to families who wished to subscribe to the library, with first year membership income totaling $103. The Albert City Public Library was officially established in April 1939 when the city agreed to provide tax support to the organization. Originally located in a portion of the city hall building, the library moved to its own location in 1967, and residents celebrated in 1999 when a brand new library building was dedicated.

The brick library sits along the south side of Main Street in downtown Albert City; upgrades have continued since the new location opened, including a new teen zone in 2009 which features nine new desktop computers. The library is open Monday through Friday.