The public library in Beloit can be traced to December of 1870 when the Library and Historical Association was chartered with 20 life members. Dexter Ruggles, the first librarian, watched the collection grow to 800 volumes kept in a room in the Bunch Building located at the corner of Main and Mill Streets.

        In 1898 the mayor and city council provided a room in City Hall, located at 2nd and Hersey. By 1911 the city was providing a second room for the collection which now numbered about 7000 books.

        Mrs. George W. Port, a gracious and foresighted citizen, saw a need for a permanent location for the library and provided that her home become the library upon her death. Thus, in February of 1932, the refurbished Port home became the Port Library.