The Hannibal Free Library held its official opening on Sept. 1st, 1945 in the home of Miss Fanny Rhoades. Miss Rhoades would not accept any payment for rent, heat or lights. Members of the community donated the first books. Within three years the library had grown and needed a space of its own. A grand opening was held on April 26th, 1948 at its newly remodeled location, the old Hannibal Firehouse. For twenty-three years the library remained at this site. Due to the library's continued growth, in 1971 the library made another move into a former firehouse which allowed more space. Eight years later the library settled into its present location, which once was the Hannibal Baptist Church. Together, with the Historical Society and the Senior Citizen's Association, the Hannibal Community Center was created. Thanks to the community's continued donations and support, what once started as a small collection has grown to a selection of over 8,000 books and other media.