The history of the PhilRice Library dates back to the years of the Maligaya Experiment Station (1931) in Maligaya, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija under the Bureau of Plant Industry. Its informal beginning began with a collection handed over by the administrators donated by various institutions or individuals. When it was converted by President Diosdado Macapagal to Maligaya Rice Research and Training Center (MRRTC) in 1965, efforts were made to organize its collection using the Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme (DDC) and circulation services rendered. In 1991, with the inauguration of the Philippine Rice Research Institute Central Experiment Station under its director, Dr. Santiago R. Obien, MRRTC was merged to PhilRice.

A library facility was provided at the second floor of the Administrative building complete with a reading room, circulation desk, stacks, carrels, chairs, magazine display shelves, bookshelves, table, computer and printer, computer table, and an electric typewriter Books were acquired through the Japan International Cooperation Agency technical cooperation program, as well as purchased locally and abroad. Exchange program with other libraries has started. Solicitation for book donations from individuals and institutions was vigorously pursued.

Library collection during the pre-PhilRice years was old, brittle, tattered and termite-infested, providing an insight to the history of the library itself. However, some important publications serve good historical research material on rice, including a journal title dating back 1918. Important publications were restored and fumigated.

The present PhilRice Library is a special library dedicated to the collection, organization, maintenance, storage and retrieval of Filipiniana rice literature. It is also the depository of PhilRice publications. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Library and Documentation Service, based in the Philippines has the biggest collection of rice and rice-related literature in the world. Unlike IRRI which serves globally, our Library renders services benefiting the Filipino rice scientists, researchers, educators, students, extension workers, farmers and other stakeholders.