A Message from...
Minister of Canadian Heritage

Happy 50th anniversary to the National Library of Canada.

A book provides a refuge for the soul of a reader, a library, for the soul of a country. Since its beginnings, the National Library of Canada has been a pillar of knowledge, by the diversity of its patiently acquired collections, by the abundance of its sound recording and musical archives, and by the richness of its rare books and historic newspapers and posters. Today, at 50 years old, facing exciting new challenges and after combining its collections with those of the National Archives of Canada, it is more modern than ever, leading the digital revolution and accessible from coast to coast. Protector of our memory, home of our history and our stories, our Library is now everywhere, and it belongs to all Canadians.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I would like to congratulate the entire staff of the National Library for their exceptional job of conserving and making use of the treasures of our heritage. I offer you thanks, on behalf of both current and future generations of Canadians. I would also like to commend the Friends of the National Library of Canada for their wonderful commitment.

The Honourable Sheila Copps
Minister of Canadian Heritage