News Release

2001-12

Proyecto Adrienne Created

Ottawa, June 6, 2001 - Roch Carrier, National Librarian of Canada, announces the creation of Proyecto Adrienne, following the state visit to Chile of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada.

On that occasion, and in the presence of the Governor General, the National Library of Canada signed an agreement with the National Library of Chile.

As a follow-up to the agreement, the National Library of Canada will make a compilation of the literary works published in Canada since 1973 by exiled Chilean writers, obtain copies of the works, manuscripts and other documents and, in collaboration with the Embassy of Chile, transfer them to the National Library of Chile.

"The exiled Chileans kept hope alive through some dark years," stated a Chilean official before the signing ceremony. "Canadians welcomed them with open arms."

Once collected, the literary works will be returned to Chile, along with accompanying written documents and audio-visual material.

Roch Carrier invites authors, librarians and Canadian publishers to help make the Proyecto Adrienne a success, to help bring the "parcels of light" back where they belong, even if they are also part of Canadian history.

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