Thorold's first library was a private institution that opened in 1858. 110 patrons paid the $1 membership fee for access to the 600 books in the library's collection. This library ceased to exist in 1867. It was replaced by another library in 1869. This second library kept the same $1 membership fee until 1895, when it was discounted to half the price in an effort to grow its customer base. The library continued to struggle and eventually asked the city to take over its collection of 5,000 books. Under the city's ownership, it became a public library. Thorold was approved for a Carnegie Library grant and a new building opened in 1912. This library operated until 1983 and was replaced by the current location attached to Chestnut Hall.[2] In 2012, Chestnut Hall was assessed by a historical society that determined it was "badly showing its age" and may also be at risk of a fire due to damaged wiring.[3]
In 2020, Thorold's city council considered creating an additional branch to the Canada Games Park but ultimately decided against it due to plans to expand the current building. These renovations are expected to cost somewhere between six and eight million dollars. Plans for a branch in the south of the city, which was deemed to be a more suitable location, were discussed but with no definitive plans.[4]
In 2022, the library stopped issuing fines to patrons in order to improve access for those experiencing financial difficulties.[5] In 2023, patrons of the library borrowed 60,621 physical items.[6] That same year, the library digitized newspaper clippings from the 1870s onwards.[7] The library offers access to laptops and internet hotspots. Library patrons may also borrow items in other libraries through the Libraries in Niagara Co-operative program.[6]
