The Durand Library Association established a local library in 1886. Located above the Huntington Feed Store, it remained there until 1898 when it moved to Hutchinson Drugstore. Two years later the city assumed financial responsibility and moved the collection to Durand State Bank where it became known as the Durand Free Library. The city acquired a Carnegie grant in 1906 and construction on a new library building began the next year.

The Madison firm of Claude & Starck, noted for their many Carnegie libraries throughout Wisconsin, provided the design. Known for their Prairie and Neoclassical designs; Claude & Starck chose a less common Tudor design for the Durand Free Library. The building is constructed of locally quarried rusticated ashlar limestone topped by red brick. Prominent Tudor features include the flattened arch framing the entrance, brackets and bargeboards, and decoratively cut rafters that extend beneath the low roof eaves. The steeply pitched roof is clad in French red clay tiles. Two windows break through the eaves requiring gabled dormers.

The interior has a typical Carnegie library plan with a central circulation desk and wall stacks. The fireplace in the reference alcove contains a plaster replication of the Chariot Races found in the ruins of Herculaneum, Italy. A fig leaf was added to the nude male figure to calm public controversy. The lower floor consists of several community rooms.

The building is now used as private offices. Please respect the privacy of the owners.