The Kathleen Clay Edwards Library opened on September 10, 2004. The library is named after Kathleen Clay Bryan Edwards, a devoted philanthropist who donated $2.5 million to Piedmont Land Conservancy to protect Price Park, where the library is located. The Kathleen Price Bryan Family Fund contributed $1 million. Greensboro City Council contributed $250,000 to complete the purchase. The land was previously owned by Jefferson Pilot and was the site for the company clubhouse. Edwards' donation was in honor of her grandparents Julian and Ethel Clay Price, founders of Pilot Life Insurance (aka Jefferson-Pilot Corporation). Piedmont Land Conservancy holds permanent easement rights on the park to ensure that the land is always used as a passive park. The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department oversees the maintenance of Price Park.

Teague, Freyaldenhoven and Freyaldenhoven (TFF) Architects ensured that the construction of the library was environmentally conscious and minimized impact on the park. A large red oak that was removed as part of the construction was used in furniture items, and the items were auctioned to help provide additional funds for the library.

In addition, the library features some green building features: natural cork flooring, carpet tiles made of recycled materials, and ply-bent wood chairs which use the most sustainable process of furniture making.

The grand opening of the library in September 2004 initiated the environmental focus of the branch. The event included a poetry reading by renowned environmentalist and theologian Thomas Berry and included a hands-on environmental "Discovery Day" sponsored by the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society in collaboration with the City's Parks and Recreation Department and the Piedmont Land Conservancy.