The library's roots extend back to the 1880's, when a group of Wayne citizens decided to form a small lending library.  Dues were collected to help buy books.  Over the years the collection grew and the library was housed in various town locations.

In the 1920s library users began raising money for a permanent home.   It took years of fund-raising teas and card parties hosted by local residents as well as the summer community to reach their financial goal.  When the library was built in 1938 it was named in honor of Annie Louise Cary, whose family made a sizable bequest to the building fund, and this gift enabled the plans for the present building to become a reality.  Annie Louise Cary was born in Wayne in 1841 and was America's first operatic prima donna.  Stop in to the library to learn more about this interesting Wayne native.