Mrs. Wilkins registered the first library in Cornelius in 1912, which consisted of a single shelf at a local pool room.

[2] The Cornelius Women's Civic Club later leased a room at the fire station, and in 1914 the city began taxing residents to pay for the library.

[3] A Spanish language program was added in 1984, and the library also closed for a short time in the 1980s due to budget cuts.

[4] The city then developed plans for a mix-use project combining a new library building with affordable housing for senior citizens.

[11] The library introduced adventure packs that consist of themed backpacks with books and other supplies to encourage reading in 2015 after a grant from the Oregon International Airshow.