Volume 2, Number 4, July-August 2006

In Focus

The Friends of Library and Archives Canada

Poster of the film Anne of Green Gables, 1919 Source

Anne of Green Gables, Maria Chapdelaine, Glenn Gould. These names are as Canadian as the maple leaf on our flag and feature prominently among the treasures the Friends have generously donated to Library and Archives Canada (LAC). They include two vintage posters advertising the 1919 silent film based on Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, which were found under a carpet in a small Michigan town; a piano score of Bach's Goldberg Variations annotated by renowned Canadian pianist Glenn Gould; a poster announcing an 1812 circus performance in Montréal; and a collection of paintings illustrating Louis Hémon's novel Maria Chapdelaine, in a colourful inlaid leather binding that is, itself, a work of art. Thanks to the Friends, these items, among others, are now part of the LAC collection, preserved for present and future generations of Canadians.

Since 1991, the Friends have worked tirelessly raising funds to facilitate acquisitions for the LAC collection that might otherwise not be possible. Fundraising activities include an antiquarian book auction and a giant used book sale; the latter is an annual event, and will take place this fall at the St. Laurent Centre in Ottawa, from September 29 to October 1.

The Friends of Library and Archives Canada are devoted to Canadian books, culture and history, and cherish the audiovisual and documentary heritage that highlights Canada and Canadians both past and present. For more information about what the Friends do or how to become a member, call 613-992-8304 or visit www.collectionscanada.ca/friends/index-e.html.

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