The repurposed building used to be an industrial factory, built in the second half of 19th century. The reconstruction of the complex was conducted with a European project, worth €21.5 million, and 55% of the costs were covered by grants from the European Union funds.
The repurposing and reconstruction of the building cost €13.8 million, while the equipment of the new library cost €2 million. The Croatian ministry of culture and media has disbursed €133,000 for this project, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County has provided €27,000, and the rest was covered by the City of Rijeka.