A public library in Alpine was first organized in 1947 by members of the El Progreso Club (a women's study club of Alpine which merged with The Women's Club of Alpine in 1963). The first location of the El Progreso Public Library was a corner of Henderson's Radio Shop. The first books were donated by guests at an afternoon tea hosted by the El Progreso Club.

The Alpine Public Library is also unique in that it is an independent private corporation and is governed by a Board of Directors. The Alpine Public Library association has contracts with both the city and the county which helps supply basic operating funds. Other expenses are made possible through grants, fundraising by the Friends of the Alpine Public Library, and individual donations.