The first branch building in the St. Louis Public Library system, this structure followed a design from architect Theodore C. Link. It was built on land donated by dry goods merchant William Barr.

Born in Zimpfen, Germany, Link was the chief architect for Union Station.

Opened in 1906, Barr is the oldest of the Library's "Carnegie branches," so called because they were erected in part by donations from steel maker and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie.

The branch was renovated and reopened in 1996.