The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, located at the University of Toronto, is a significant repository of rare books and manuscripts in Canada. Established in 1973, the library has grown to house an impressive collection of approximately 740,000 volumes and 4,000 meters of manuscript holdings. This article delves into the history and development of this remarkable library, highlighting its origins, architectural design, and the contributions that
have shaped its collections.
Origins and Early Development
The roots of the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library can be traced back to the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, founded in November 1955 by Chief Librarian Robert H. Blackburn. Blackburn's vision was to create a dedicated space for the university's growing collection of rare items, which had been accumulating since 1890. These items included medieval manuscripts, early printed books, and special volumes presented by Queen Victoria.
In 1957, the Rare Book Room was opened, marking the first step towards establishing a permanent home for these valuable collections. The library's development was further propelled by the contributions of Marion E. Brown, who was hired to manage the special collections. Her efforts in organizing and expanding the collection laid the groundwork for the future Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library.
Architectural Design and Establishment
The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library was officially opened in 1973, forming part of a larger complex with the John P. Robarts Research Library and the Claude Bissel Building. The library was designed by Mathers and Haldenby, with design consultation from Warner, Burns, Toan, and Lunde. This architectural collaboration resulted in a distinctive building that houses the library's extensive collections.
The library is named in honor of Thomas Fisher, a successful merchant-miller who immigrated from Yorkshire and settled along the Humber River in 1822. His great-grandsons, Sidney and Charles Fisher, played a pivotal role in the library's establishment by donating their collections of Shakespearean works, twentieth-century authors, and etchings by Wenceslaus Hollar.
Growth and Expansion of Collections
Since its inception, the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library has experienced significant growth in its collections. Under the leadership of Richard Landon, who served as director until his death in 2011, the library organized two to three exhibitions of rare books and materials annually. These exhibitions showcased the library's diverse holdings and attracted scholars and visitors from around the world.
The library's collections have expanded to include the university archives, which house institutional records and the papers of notable Canadian literary figures such as Margaret Atwood and Leonard Cohen. This expansion has solidified the library's reputation as a premier destination for researchers and enthusiasts of rare books and manuscripts.
In conclusion, the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library's history is a testament to the dedication and vision of its founders and contributors. From its humble beginnings to its current status as Canada's largest publicly accessible repository of rare books, the library continues to be a vital resource for scholars and a treasure trove of literary and historical artifacts.
