The Thomas Fisher library has the largest collection of rare books in Canada
The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is easily one of the most fascinating libraries in Canada. Holding over 700,000 volumes and 4,000 feet of manuscripts, it boasts the largest rare book collection in the country.
The six floors house paper manuscripts as old as 4,000 years old, as well as materials such as Margaret Atwood’s original works, including her first self-published book, and Leonard Cohen’s personal journals.
The library also has the only Canadian printings of the first Shakespearean plays dating back to 1623. There are only about 200 others remaining in the world.
This spectacular book collection is found on the University of Toronto’s campus and is accessible not only to faculty, researchers, and students, but also the general public. Anyone may view and handle the library's holdings.
No other place in the world can an ordinary citizen be allowed to handle one of Shakespeare’s First Folios and paper manuscripts from this notorious of writers and individuals.
If you wish to visit the library, but aren't sure about what materials you'd like to get your hands on, the library has exhibits each month to showcase different parts of the collection.
The general architecture of the library is also extraordinary. From the beautifully leather-bound books all the way to the ceiling to the modern look of the building's exterior, it's definitely eye-catching.
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