News Release

2000-03

Canversations at the National Library of Canada

Ottawa, May 4, 2000  --  The National Library of Canada and the Association of Canadian Studies are launching Canversations, a reading and discussion series that will bring Canadians together in an informal setting to exchange views on issues and ideas as presented in Canadian books. The series is designed to be portable and adaptable for use by book clubs, literary groups, schools and libraries.

National Librarian Roch Carrier says, "The vibrant world of Canadian publishing offers a rich and varied resource from which to draw themes and subjects. The joy of reading is complemented by the pleasure of discussing what one has read with other readers," he adds.

According to the president of the Association of Canadian Studies, Raymond-M. Hébert, "Canversations is a splendid means for ACS members to connect with their communities. This collaborative initiative will help Canadians understand their country."

The first theme in the series is "Newfoundland and Labrador: Colonial and Post-colonial Writing". The program was prepared by Prof. Ronald Rompkey, Director of the J.R. Smallwood Centre, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (formerly Newfoundland).

Canversations will be offered at the National Library of Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa. Discussions begin at 8:00 p.m. and, during the months of May and June 2000, include the following:

• Thursday, May 11  -  Series’ introduction and The Colony of Unrequited Dreams by Wayne Johnston. Discussion leader: Ronald Rompkey, Director of the J.R. Smallwood Centre for Newfoundland and Labrador Studies, Memorial University
• Thursday, May 18  -  White Tie and Decorations: Sir John and Lady Hope Simpson in Newfoundland and Labrador (formerly Newfoundland), 1934-1936 by Peter Neary. Discussion Leader: Hector Mackenzie, Senior Departmental Historian, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
• Thursday, May 25  -  The Danger Tree: Memory, War and the Search for a Family’s Past by David Macfarlane. Discussion leader: Dean Oliver, Senior Historian, Canadian War Museum.
• Thursday, June 1  -  No Holds Barred: My Life in Politics by John Crosbie with Geoffrey Stevens. Discussion leader: to be confirmed.

To find out more about the topics of Canversations, visit the Canversations Web site at <www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/canversations/index.html>.

The National Library of Canada is our nation’s foremost resource for the study of our literary and musical heritage.

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For further information, please contact:

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Media Relations Coordinator