Did you ever wonder where the name Thorn-Hill comes from?

Did you guess a mash-up of the community names Thorncliffe and Huntington Hills?

This branch from the psychedelic seventies (it opened October 5, 1974) opened in the tri-services building and has had its devoted customers ever since. It has had a rather incendiary past too. Severely damaged by arson in 1990, it arose like phoenix from the ashes and is better than ever. This busy branch was the stalwart of the north part of the city until the opening of the Country Hills Library in 2004.

Always responsive to the needs of their community, a staff member had the great idea to start a weekly Stitch and Chat program. The group is now producing various charity items for the women’s shelter, showing their heart and passion. It remains a vital part of the community as a popular venue for community art displays.

Find more amazing pictures of the branch over the years in the Calgary Public Library Archives.