On 23 September 1924, a public library service started operating from the YMCA base in Oakley House. Initially they had 1000 books, which increased to 2000 as the service grew in popularity.

In 1934, due to the increase in demand, the library moved to Herschel Hall in Herschel Street, which was the first fully equipped library in Slough. At this time, the service was being run by volunteers.

Due to Slough's ever-increasing population - in the 1950s it was the largest growing industrial town in southern England - the William Street Library soon became unable to meet the needs of the community.

The decision was made to build a new library in 1968, at a time when much of the town centre was being redeveloped. However, work did not commence until 1972. The new building was to be three times the size of the old one, and was designed by the County Architect, J Pooley. The project cost £412,000.

The current library was opened on Thursday 28th November 1974. It is officially called the Robert Taylor Library, named after Alderman Taylor in recognition of his contribution to the library service. He was Mayor of Slough in 1956, and chairman of the Library Committee for many years.

The library was officially opened by the Mayor, Councillor D R Peters, on 15th May 1975.