Founded in 1861 as the direct descendant of the private Fall River Athenaeum, the Fall River Public Library was originally housed in the City Hall. A new facility, now its main branch, opened in 1899 with its motto, “The People’s University,” carved in its granite walls. For more information about the Main Library, South Branch, and their services, fulfilling the mission of "Preserving Yesterday, Informing Today, Inspiring Tomorrow," visit http://fallriverlibrary.org/.