July / August 2001 Vol. 33, no. 4

Irene Aubrey: A Tribute

Josiane Polidori
Research and Information Services

Last March 29, the National Library of Canada celebrated the career of the founder of its children's literature service, Irene Aubrey, by inviting a group of guests to a reception. This group was made up of children's writers and illustrators, National Library staff members, librarians specializing in children's literature, and Friends of the Library. Roch Carrier, National Librarian, greeted the guests, who included former National Librarian Marianne Scott; Françoise Lepage, professor of children's literature at the University of Ottawa; representatives of the Ottawa Children’s Roundtable; as well as current staff of the Children's Literature Service.

Reunited at the spring tea, these friends and former colleagues listened to a speech given by renowned children's writer Janet Lunn. Josiane Polidori, new Chief of the Children's Literature Service, presented Ms. Aubrey with an illustration by Eric Beddows. She also read written testimonies by illustrator Marie-Louise Gay and by Laurette Mackay, a former member of the first executive council of IBBY Canada. Roch Carrier presented Irene Aubrey with a crystal vase on behalf of the National Library of Canada. The event  -  which celebrated the career of the first head of the Children's Literature Service  -  was followed by the opening of the exhibition A World to Read, which presented the 2000 honour roll of books selected by IBBY.

Irene Aubrey founded the Children's Literature Service at the NLC; she worked unstintingly from 1975 to 1993, during which time she moved mountains by sheer will and perseverance. Ms. Aubrey demonstrated leadership qualities by surrounding herself with a high-calibre team. Collaborators, including Mary Collis, as well as staff from the publishing department, were essential to the production of quality publications that emanated from the Service.

This pioneer implemented and worked determinedly on numerous large projects, including Notable Canadian Children’s Books and Read Up On It. Memorable activities in the area of children's illustration were organized at the NLC; for example, well-known storyteller and children's writer Jan Andrews curated the 1988 exhibition The Secret Self. An electronic version of The Secret Self can be found on the Library’s Web site at www.nlc-bnc.ca/secret/index-e.html.

Irene Aubrey has distinguished herself not only through her extensive knowledge of children's literature but also through her active involvement in national and international affairs and activities. Beginning in 1976, Ms. Aubrey set out to establish IBBY Canada (International Board on Books for Young People) along with Irma McDonough Milnes, founder of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre and Laurette Mackay of the Aylmer Public Library.

The acquisition of literary manuscripts of children's authors and illustrators are another enduring testimony to Irene Aubrey’s contribution to the National Library. Authors such as Janet Lunn and Robert Soulières and illustrators such as Ginette Anfousse, Eric Beddows, Ann Blades, Elizabeth Cleaver, Dayal Kaur Khalsa and Marie-Louise Gay enrich the collection. These literary manuscripts allow for a greater understanding of the creative process and are essential elements in the preparation of prestigious exhibitions.

The National Library of Canada’s tribute to Irene Aubrey recognizes her professional life of sharing her passion for and her knowledge of Canadian children's literature.