One of the Town of Woodstock‘s most valued community resources is the L.P. Fisher Public Library, located at 679 Main Street in the town center. This early 20th-century building was designed and constructed by Lewis Peter Fisher (1821 – 1905), a lawyer, mayor, and the town’s most generous benefactor. Fisher was elected mayor in 1856, the same year the town was incorporated, and held the office for an impressive 24 consecutive years.

Born in Fredericton in 1820, Fisher studied law there before relocating to Woodstock in 1841 to establish his own practice. He married Mary Catherine Dermill at the Wesleyan Chapel on June 25, 1850. In 1865, Fisher was appointed Judge of Probate, a position he held until his death.

Fisher’s life came to an abrupt end at the age of 85 when he fell ill and died within two days on October 10, 1905. He left behind a substantial estate of nearly half a million dollars, much of which was dedicated to public use. His legacy includes the L. P. Fisher Public Library, Fisher Memorial School, Carleton County Vocational School, and Fisher Memorial Hospital (formerly his residence).

In the 21st century, the L.P. Fisher Public Library serves a dual role as a heritage building owned by the town and an active library within the provincial library system. A new addition, known as the Thompson Centre, was built at the rear of the building in 2014, now serving as the main library entrance.

The library is also home to two specialized collections: the W.O. Raymond Room’s local historical and genealogical reference books and manuscripts, and the Dalton Camp Canadiana Collection. Both collections are named after and partially contributed by writers who have strong connections to Woodstock.

 

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