Thorold's Carnegie Library

The historical value of Thorold's Carnegie Library lies in its association with Andrew Carnegie, who gained fame and success during his career in the American steel industry. Carnegie, a philanthropist who donated $10,000 for the construction of the library, donated over $56 million to fund over 2500 libraries in the English-speaking world throughout the early 1900s. Carnegie's generosity allowed several communities across Canada to have a basis for the development of literacy. The architect, A.E. Nicholson, also designed libraries for Grimsby and Merritton. Other important names associated with Thorold's library system included a long-term librarian named Minnie K. Tracy of the Tracy House, John G. Keefer as Thorold's original Librarian, Jacob Keefer as Vice President, and Reverend Thomas Brock Fuller acting as President.

Carnegie libraries imparted a sense of pride and stability in their host communities, and this can be seen in this particular library's strong and dignified design, adding architectural value to the streetscape. Despite being just one-storey tall, the solid red brick building with a flat roof stands out amidst other buildings in its nearby surroundings. The entranceway, located at the centre of the front facade, extends outwards and is decorated and supported by two massive white columns.