Fiske Free Library - Claremont, NH - People-Named Places on Waymarking.com

From the library's web site is this brief history.

"Samuel P. Fiske established the Fiske Free Library in 1873 with 2,000 volumes from his personal library and $5,000 for the purchase of additional books. An additional $5,000 was given by Mr. and Mrs. Fiske to establish a permanent trust fund. Housed first in Stevens High School, the library moved in 1877 into the Bailey Block with more room and easier access. By 1902 space was again tight and Andrew Carnegie was approached for funding. In 1903, with $15,000 in funding from Carnegie, ground was broken for the present building. An addition in 1922 and a full renovation in 1966 expanded the entire building for library use." Fiske Free Library

The library building is one of several historic buildings around the town green, including the Opera House and Town Hall, Fire Station and two churches. There is parking on Broad Street and Bailey Street.

Claremont occupies both sides of the Sugar River a few miles east of its confluence with the mighty Connecticut River. Its days of prosperity and industry were connected with the mills and a foundry that utilized the power of the river.

The Man

Little is written of Samuel P. Fiske, except that he was a prosperous merchant in the area in the late 19th century. One of his early homes is still located next to the local high school just a few blocks from this library

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