The Rosendale Library was founded by the Women's Club of Rosendale and Anna Mae Auchmoedy. Incorporation by the New York State Board of Regents as an Association Library occurred on October 24, 1958. In the same year, the All Saints Chapel, which had been left vacant after hurricane flooding, was acquired by Andrew J. Snyder, President of Century Cement Company. The unusual Gothic Revival style building, constructed in 1876 of local Rosendale cement, cement rock and brick, would serve as the home of the Rosendale Library.

The Rosendale Library became a member of the Mid-Hudson Library System in 1959, joining what has become a consortium of 65 libraries, providing patrons with, among other benefits, inter-library loans and direct online access..

A devastating fire in 1975 closed the library building temporarily until renovation and an addition could be completed. With the hiring of a certified librarian, the Absolute Charter was issued to the library by the Board of Regents on April 29, 1977.

During the 1980's and 90's the library continued to provide quality library service through excellent children's programs and the addition of computers for public use. In 2001 we were able to upgrade our technology with a grant from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  In 2008-9 we are receiving two grants supporting technology in the library: Gates Foundation Opportunity Online Grant and the second from Advanced Network and Services. Over the years, arts and cultural programming has included support from theNew York State Council for the Arts Decentralization Grant.

Recognition of the library building's unique beauty and historic value was received on August 11,1986, when it was named to the national and state Registers of National Historic Sites.

To provide a more stable funding base, the library board worked to form a Special District Public Library. After successful passage through the New York State Senate and Assembly and signing by the Governor, the choice was presented to the voters of the Town of Rosendale September 3, 1987. An overwhelming "yes" vote created the Special District which received Absolute Charter status from the University of the State of New York Board of Regents, May 18, 1989.

The Friends of the Library Group was formed concurrently with the transition from Association to Special District Library and has been supportive in promoting the aims of the library, as has the library board.

Currently the library’s 132 year old slate roof is being replaced with matching funds provided by the New York State Public Library Construction Grant.