Library services in the City (and broader Sacramento County) are provided by the Sacramento Public Library Authority. Each community is responsible for providing the physical space for public libraries within its jurisdiction. SPL then occupies and operates library services. Elk Grove residents are currently served by two libraries within the City - the Elk Grove Branch in Old Town Elk Grove and the Franklin Branch, which is co-located with Franklin High School.

In 2006, the City facilitated the relocation of the Elk Grove branch to 8900 Elk Grove Boulevard. This facility, at the time, provided more space for the library and placed it at a prominent corner entering Old Town. However, the parking and two-story configuration, along with the high operating cost, have been problematic for customers, SPL, and the City. As documented in a 2018 study, the community has outgrown this site and new location is needed for the Elk Grove branch.

In early 2021, the City acquired the former Rite Aid building at 9260 Elk Grove Boulevard. A concept plan was prepared in the fall of 2021 and presented to the City Council.  

In 2022, the City was awarded two State grants totaling more than $7 million to complete improvements to the building.

The City anticipates completing the construction plans and hiring a contractor for the work in mid-2024.  Construction would be complete, and the new library would open, in late 2025.

The City Council approved the schematic design of the project on October 25, 2023.