The South Branch Library was the first Milwaukee building constructed exclusively for use as a branch library. It catered to the unique needs of the area¿s foreign-language speaking immigrants with a large number of volumes written in Polish and German. The south branch was formed in 1893 with the help of the Southside Education Society and Southside High School student Sam McKillop. Together they opened a small library in the high school corridor and circulated books among students. McKillop promoted the construction of a South Branch library when facilities at the high school became inadequate. He became the director of extensions for the city library system in 1916.

The prominent architectural firm Brust & Philipp designed the library. Separate spaces were clearly defined in the plan. The design included a public auditorium that served in educating, entertaining and acculturating the immigrant population of the working class neighborhood. It also served as a multipurpose community center and meeting place for neighborhood organizations. The unique design of the semi-circular room could be serviced and monitored from the central work area. This eliminated the need to walk down rows of stacks to find the right aisle.

The exterior of the building represents the Neo-Classical style. The massing reflects the hierarchy of the interior spaces. A projecting entrance pavilion has a screen of eight paired Ionic columns that support an entablature, a projecting cornice and a stepped brick parapet. Greek-style molding and pediment frame the door surround. The windows also reference the Greek style with asterisk mullions, keystones, and pediments.

The building now serves as the Southside Neighborhood Services Center and is open during regular hours.