The Adams Free Library is located in an architecturally stunning building that is prominently positioned on Park Street at McKinley Square.  It is constructed of a distinctive buff-colored brick in the Beaux Arts style. William McKinley laid the cornerstone of the building on September 25, 1897, during his first visit to Adams as President of the United States. The library opened to the public on January 2, 1899.

The memorial library building was originally constructed to serve three purposes:  to house the public library, to serve as a Civil War Memorial and to be a meeting place for the Civil War veterans association in Adams.  The veterans’ group was called the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) George E. Sayles Post 126 and their meeting rooms were located on the second floor above the library.  Their hall remains in its original condition with the chairs once occupied by Civil War veterans.  Today the G.A.R. Memorial Hall serves as the location for special events and programs.  It may be viewed by signing in at the main desk and taking a brochure that serves as a self-guided tour.

The library offers an extensive collection of books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, audio books, eBooks, eAudio and free or reduced rate passes to area museums.  The newspaper collection, stored on microfilm, dates back to 1844.  A genealogical collection is available, which includes the set of Mayflower descendants, the vital records of Rhode Island and other genealogical information.