In August of 1755, Joshua Potts, Charles Beatty, John Lukens, and Joseph Hart met with other interested citizens at the Crooked Billet Tavern. Thirty-eight men signed an "Instrument of Partnership", thus bringing into existence the "Union Library of Hatborough". Each member paid an annual donation of ten shillings for the purchase of books, and by August, 1756, the first shipment of books arrived from England. Some of these original books are still in the library's possession.
In 1848, Nathan Holt, a member of the library Company, bequeathed $5,000 to the library; $2,000 to be invested and the interest to be used to buy books; and $3,000 to buy a lot and build a permanent library building. The Greek Revival style building was completed in 1850 at what is now 243 South York Road.
On May 8, 1978, the building was placed on the State Registry of Historical Buildings. Later, on November 27, 1979, it was granted a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
In December, 1991, ground was broken and construction began on a new additional room. This was made possible by grants and private donations. On April 26, 1992, there was a Dedication and Open House for this new addition.
On September 10, 2000, a new Children's Wing was dedicated.
The Library continues to operate under its original charter (the second oldest Library in Pennsylvania to do so) with a board of Directors elected by shareholders.
