The Libraries of Sullivan County: Part 2
The Libraries of Sullivan County: Part 2
Libraries hold stories and each library holds its own story – rich with the history of the people who built and cherished it. In continuing this journey through the libraries of Sullivan County, I find myself amazed not only by the buildings and books themselves but by the spirit of community and connection that has sustained them for generations. Libraries are, as Henry Ward Beecher said, a necessity—yet they are also symbols of a shared commitment to learning and curiosity, as unique and enduring as the towns they serve.
From the grand structure of Charlestown’s Silsby Library, funded by the far-reaching legacy of Col. Ithiel Homer Silsby, to the cherished handprints of Springfield’s Libbie A. Cass Memorial Library—each of the libraries of Sullivan County is a testament to the devotion of its founders and the warmth of its patrons. I hope this exploration of these living, breathing archives encourages you to rediscover your own library, to celebrate its past, and to be a part of its future.
Written by Mary Ferland
Resident of Claremont since 1973
Fiske Free Library – Claremont
Address: 108 Broad Street
Phone: 603-542-7017
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9am – 5pm
Tues, Thurs 11am – 7pm
Sat 9am – 1pm
The Fiske Free Library was established in 1873 by Samuel P. Fiske, a prominent mercantile businessman from Claremont. He donated the initial collection of two thousand volumes from his own collection. He gave $5000.00 for book purchases and an additional $4000.00 for the library to invest for annual income to purchase more books.
The books were first located in the upper story of the Stevens High School but this became an unsatisfactory arrangement and in 1878 they were moved to a building on the corner of Main and Sullivan Streets. (Today, if you went to this location you would still find a granite stone with “FISKE FREE LIBRARY” over the second story windows).
After 26 years this space became inadequate and through an Andrew Carnegie grant ground was broken in 1903 to build the present building that cost $15,000.00 After that, an addition was added in 1922 and a full renovation was completed in 1966.
Fun Fact: There are only nine Carnegie Library buildings in New Hampshire.
Fiske Free Library Claremont. Image Credit: Mary Ferland.
Silsby Free Public Library – Charlestown
Address: 226 Main Street
Phone: 603-826-7793
Hours: Tues, Fri 10am – 5pm
Wed 1pm – 7pm
Thurs 1pm – 5pm
Sat 10am – 1pm
Col. Ithiel Homer Silsby was born in Acworth and taught school in Charlestown before he became a hotelkeeper and amassed a fortune with hotels in Saratoga, NY and Boston. Upon his death in 1874, his will left $10,000 to erect a library building and purchase “suitable” books.
The Romanesque-style building is constructed of stone, brick (from the old brick yard in West Claremont), slate and granite. Hira Beckwith, of Claremont, designed the building as well as other public buildings and homes in Sullivan County. The building was erected in 1893, completed in 1894 but was not opened until 1896.
Fun Fact: Silsby’s estate also funded the Acworth Library with a donation of $10,000.00.
Silsby Free Public Library Charlestown. Image Credit: Mary Ferland.
The Abbott Library – Sunapee
Address: 11 Soonipi Circle
Phone: 603-763-5513
Hours: Mon, Weds 9am – 6pm
Tues, Thurs 9am – 7pm
Sat 9am – 3pm
The Sunapee Library began in 1892 with a state grant of $230.00 and $50.00 from the town. Its first location was in a store that also housed the post office and a small grocery. The first permanent building was erected in 1926 with a bequest from Almeron Abbott and his wife Martha. Additionally, the town erected a new building in 2014.
Fun Fact: The old building now houses the Sunapee Historical Society.
The Abbott Library in Sunapee. Image Credit: Mary Ferland.
Libbie A. Cass Memorial Library – Springfield
Address: 2748 Main Street
Phone: 603-763-4381
Hours: Mon, Weds 12pm – 5pm
Tues 9am – 5pm
Thurs 12pm – 6pm
Sat 9am – 11am
From 1895 to 1905, the library was located on a small shelf of books in the West Springfield Country Store owned by Ruel Heath who was paid $5.00 for rent and services as the librarian. By the time the library was moved across the street in 1906 to the Cass house, his salary was raised to $7.50. It remained in the Cass house until 1955 when the collection moved to the old Center School building next to the Meeting House. It is reported that the Center School building was freezing in the winter heated only by a small wood stove. In 1966 it was renamed the Libbie A. Cass Memorial Library to honor Libbie who was the librarian for 28 years: 1926-1954. Construction on a new building began in November 1993 and opened June 1994.
Fun Fact: The Kindergarten used to be in the same building, right next door to the library. An art project from 1994-1996 resulted in colorful handprints on the restroom wall. In fact, many of the now-grown children visit the library to see their kindergarten art work.
Springfield Town Office and Library. Image Credit: Magicpiano. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Visit Your Local Library
Whether you’re searching for a quiet place to read, a trove of local history, or a community gathering spot, the libraries of Sullivan County are waiting for you. Visit your nearest library, sign up for a card if you don’t have one, or simply stop by to explore stories. After all, libraries thrive when they’re used and appreciated, so let’s keep these local treasures alive and well for future generations. Your next adventure might be just down the street! Lastly, stay tuned for the next installment of this series.