The first public library in Springfield, Tennessee/Robertson County began as a community service project by the Short Story Club in 1923.  Club members devoted their time to keep the first library open from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on weekdays.  They also canvassed the community for donations, sold furniture polish and other items to raise funds, and set aside a portion of their dues to support the library.

Mrs. Sue Taylor, librarian for forty years (1926-1966), saw the library housed in several locations.  These included: the top floor of the Dulin and Glenn Department Store, the Bell Building, the Robertson County Courthouse, Main Street School, a building on the north side of the square, and finally in the Glenn Memorial Building in 1946.  In 1968 the Gorham-MacBane Library was built on White Street in Springfield with funds provided by the city of Springfield, Robertson County, the State Department of Public Libraries and Archives, and from the estate of Mittie Mae MacBane.  It contained approximately 7,000 square feet that would house 24,000 volumes.  The site, just four blocks from the downtown square, was formerly known as the Bentley-Clinard property.

The current building, Stokes Brown Public Library, had its grand opening on September 26, 2015.  The 32,475 sq. ft. facility replaced the 8,800 sq. ft. Gorham-MacBane Library.  The original, older part was renovated and became a part of the new structure known as the Gorham-MacBane Children's Library.  Along with 58,000 traditional library items, the current facility also has thirty-four public access computers, a teen room, small study rooms, a History & Genealogy Center, a quiet reading room, a board room, community room, in addition to other services to offer patrons.