Jun 08, 2021
In her autobiography, “Truth Be Told: The Story of My Life and My Fight for Equality”, the Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin wrote about how the library in the small town where she grew up, in the lea of the Rocky Mountains, was an essential part of her life.
“I don’t even think I would have survived childhood but certainly not gone on to have the wonderful life I’ve been privileged to lead had it not been for the little local library,” shared Ms. McLachlin when she appeared at the Ottawa Public Library Board of Trustees meeting on April 13, 2021.
The former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada is helping to bring a new destination to life in her new role as Honorary Chair of the Ottawa Central Library fundraising campaign.
Wondering what we’re raising funds for? The OPL fundraising campaign will ensure the new Ottawa Central Library offers exceptional spaces and programs. It will be a community hub with access to the latest creative technologies, places to read, work and study, and animated high-quality literacy programs.
Ms. McLachlin will be our ambassador and spokesperson as we start fundraising for the Ottawa Central Library. Through the campaign, we’ll be connecting with people and organizations interested in creating a welcoming community space at the Central Library that will open doors to residents and visitors to Canada’s capital to a greater understanding and appreciation of human knowledge and expression of the written word. You can help open these doors with your donation.
The Ottawa Central Library is part of the new Ottawa Public Library-Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility. The construction tender for the new facility was issued by the City of Ottawa on May 17. Construction will continue until late 2024, with an official opening in 2025. The facility is expecting to welcome 5,000 daily visitors and more than 1.7 million per year.
You can watch Ms. McLachlin’s remarks to the OPL Board here.
The new design drawings are available on the Inspire555.ca website.
Find out more about donating to OPL here.