The building was built in 1905, in the Romanesque Revival style with Richardson Romanesque elements. It was one of the many Carnegie libraries that were funded by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, who awarded the city $12,500 to construct it.

The Hanford Library was open in the Carnegie building until 1968, when the city and Kings County libraries were combined and moved into the new building. Concerned local citizens raised the money to save the old library building from destruction, and to renovate it.

The Hanford Carnegie Museum opened in the restored Carnegie Library building in 1974. The museum has displays of Victorian furniture, antiques, and vintage photographs, to describe the history of Hanford's people, the Mussel Slough Tragedy (a shootout between settlers and land owners) and has a wonderful display of Amelia Earhart history. 

PGS has investigated several times after reports of growling, heaviness, someone going up and down the stairs and shadows. One of the entities is believed to be the former librarian who worked many years at the Museum when it was a library. PGS was able to document several of the reported activity and with the Carnegie staff, have opened up the Museum to allow the public to have a chance at investigation. All proceeds from the public events goes right back to the Museum for projects and supplies since it is an all volunteer project.