At the time, it was known as the State College Public Library. The first library was located in two rooms in a house owned by State College businessman Charles Schlow. Local eighth graders conducted a massive community used book drive to establish the first collection of library books. After expanding the library twice, the Library Board purchased the old post office building from the federal government and the library moved to the new location in 1966. Since then, Schlow has been enlarged twice, once in 1975 and again in 1986.
Plans are underway to build a larger library.
The Schlow Memorial Library, as a member of the Centre County Federation of Public Libraries, provides public library services to all residents within its service area of the Borough of State College, and the Townships of College, Ferguson, Harris, and Patton. The resources of the library are directed toward addressing the needs of the members of the Centre Region community for library services and related activities of and educational, informational, recreational, and cultural nature. Schlow Library provides free library service to all residents of the Centre Region, including Penn State students. Library cards are also available without charge to all Centre County residents and residents of other areas of Pennsylvania. Schlow Library cards may be used at all the public libraries in Centre County, and in Clearfield, Lewistown and Mifflintown.