The Guelph Public Library in southern Ontario has just been given what it describes as an “extraordinary gift” from the much-loved children’s author Robert Munsch, who is donating his personal archives for research and display.
“The Munsch family’s extraordinary gift advances Guelph Public Library’s vision to empower and inspire literacy and lifelong learning for generations to come,“ library CEO Dan Atkins said in a news release on Monday.
The collection features original drafts of Munsch’s stories, notes from publishers, fan letters, photographs, works, and other items.
Munsch has strong ties to Guelph, where he’s lived and worked for about 50 years.
During his time in the city, he has worked at the University of Guelph’s department of family studies and applied nutrition. He received an honorary degree from the university in June 2000.
The author has released more than 75 picture books, including popular titles like The Paper Bag Princess, Love You Forever and Mud Puddle.
Atkins told in September that Munsch’s books “are always the most popular.”
WATCH | Guelph readers share their love for Robert Munsch and his books:
Guelph readers share their love for Robert Munsch and his books
People around the world are discussing children’s book author Robert Munsch after an interview he did with the New York Times was last weekend where he mentioned being approved for medical assistance in dying or MAID. As tributes came in for the author, Munsch’s family clarified there are no immediate plans for him to proceed with MAID. Munsch has strong connections to Guelph, where he’s lived and worked for about 50 years. CBC K-W’s Craig Norris and Aastha Shetty visited the Guelph Public Library to gather more insights from readers who were eager to express their admiration for the well-known author and his children’s books.
Interest in Munsch is soaring following a September article in the New York Times where he revealed he has been approved for medical assistance in dying – or MAID.
The archives will be stored and preserved at the new central library location at 55 Baker St., which is currently being built.
The library is set to open in fall 2026, with the collection available for public viewing starting in 2027.
Eleni Hughes, who supervises archives and records management at the library, told that this represents a significant opportunity for them.
“Robert Munsch is a prominent figure in this community, so having the ability to preserve his legacy is very important for us,” Hughes said.
“It’s a part of the city’s history.”
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Ann Munsch, Robert Munsch, Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner, Dan Atkins, CEO of Guelph Public Library, and Danny Williamson, chair of the library’s board are shown left to right. On Monday, they announced that Munsch’s archives would be displayed at the new central library branch beginning in 2027. (Guelph Public Library/Instagram)
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Guelph readers share their love for Robert Munsch and his books
People around the world are discussing children’s book author Robert Munsch after an interview he did with the New York Times was last weekend where he mentioned being approved for medical assistance in dying or MAID. As tributes came in for the author, Munsch’s family clarified there are no immediate plans for him to proceed with MAID. Munsch has strong connections to Guelph, where he’s lived and worked for about 50 years. CBC K-W’s Craig Norris and Aastha Shetty visited the Guelph Public Library to gather more insights from readers who were eager to express their admiration for the well-known author and his children’s books.
Interest in Munsch is soaring following a September article in the New York Times where he revealed he has been approved for medical assistance in dying – or MAID.
The archives will be stored and preserved at the new central library location at 55 Baker St., which is currently being built.
The library is set to open in fall 2026, with the collection available for public viewing starting in 2027.
Eleni Hughes, who supervises archives and records management at the library, told that this represents a significant opportunity for them.
“Robert Munsch is a prominent figure in this community, so having the ability to preserve his legacy is very important for us,” Hughes said.
“It’s a part of the city’s history.”
Archives Capture Guelph’s History
The Guelph Public Library Archives is currently located inside its main branch at 100 Norfolk St. Its goal is to “preserve Guelph’s valuable civic, cultural and personal history,” according to their release. This includes writings from John Galt-Guelph’s founder-as well as memorabilia from Biltmore Hat factory and an engraved piece of wood from one of the first trees cut down when Guelph was established back in 1827. The new archive space will be situated on the third floor of the central library and will be expanded to include fresh content along with Michael’s collection. “It’ll be exciting for us as we think about how we want to showcase certain items” from Michael,” Hughes said. “[I] hope that it’ll attract classes as well as community members so everyone can come.”Source link
