Library Of Parliament Article Index for
Library Of
Website Links For
Library
 

Information About

Library Of Parliament




The Library of Parliament is an information repository and research service for the Parliament Of Canada . Access to facilities is generally restricted to those on Chamber business; yet research publications produced are available to the public.


HISTORY

It is a High Victorian Gothic Revival style building, attached to the rear of the Centre Block at Parliament Hill , was opened in 1876. On February 3 , 1916 fire destroyed the Centre Block but thanks to the vigilance of library clerk Micheal MacCormac the library was spared. He detected the fire and ordered a set of iron doors between the Library and the Centre Block slammed shut. The Library also has many more facilities within a short radius in downtown Ottawa .

The Library was repaired after the 1952 attic fire which caused extensive smoke and water damage, but the restoration was primarily structural. The Centre, East, and West Blocks received extensive Climate Control and electrical upgrades, but the Library was largely overlooked. In 2002, a conservation, rehabilitation and upgrade project began. After four years of work, guided public tours of the Library of Parliament resumed on June 5 , 2006 .

An image of the Library of Parliament is featured on the obverse of the Canadian Ten-dollar Bill .


PHOTO GALLERY