Toronto (February 27, 2020) — The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is thrilled to announce that a home has been found for the CCBC’s regional collection at the Ryerson University Library and Hamilton Public Library. The collection contains approximately 18,000 titles dating to the late 1970s, including Canadian classics like Alligator Pie, Anne of Green Gables and The Paper Bag Princess, with nearly 800 books added annually. The collection was previously housed at the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s main offices in Toronto and is being relocated as the CCBC reduces its footprint by downsizing its office space. The relocation of the regional collection will allow for greater access to the titles, preserving Canadian culture for future generations.

In March 2020, the main library collection moves to the Ryerson University Library in Toronto, Ontario, which currently houses the Children’s Literature Collection containing titles dating from 1701 to 1940. The CCBC addition will complement this collection and the research already underway by a number of Ryerson faculty. “We are very pleased to have this unique collection come the Ryerson Library. It will be a valuable resource for faculty and students from across our undergraduate and graduate programs including literature, graphic design, early childhood studies, and Canadian history,” says Carol Shepstone, Chief Librarian, Ryerson University Library.

The second archive collection will be housed at Hamilton Public Library. “Hamilton Public Library is honoured to accept this significant donation. As a library and community hub, early literacy is central to our mandate. The CCBC’s ever-growing collection will serve as a great research archive, a positive resource for Hamilton’s youngest readers, their parents and teachers, and offer future generations the opportunity to enjoy many great Canadian books by Canadian authors,” says Paul Takala, CEO and Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library.

Both collections will be accessible to the public. Given the vast number of titles, the Ryerson University Library and Hamilton Public Library plan to launch the CCBC collection in 2021, with the Ryerson Library providing titles in stages over the next few years.

“We are so pleased to have a new home for these important resources,” says Rose Vespa, Executive Director of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. “Ryerson’s University Library and Hamilton’s Central Library will provide wide access to Canadian kids’ books for aspiring authors, students, academics, educators and families.”

About the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC)

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1976. We are dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for young readers. Our programs, publications, and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers. For more information, please visit our website.

About Ryerson University Library

Ryerson University Library, located in downtown Toronto, offers Ryerson students, faculty and the community access to cutting-edge research resources and innovative, academic library services and programs. Visit: library.ryerson.ca, or connect with us on Twitter @ryersonlibrary and Instagram @ryersonulibrary.

About Hamilton Public Library

The Hamilton Public Library is a vibrant hub for information and culture, providing our diverse community the Freedom to Discover. As one of the largest library systems in Canada, Hamiltonians will discover something new at our 22 locations, two bookmobiles, or through our extensive digital collections. Visit us online at hpl.ca. Connect with us on Twitter @hamiltonlibrary and Facebook at HamiltonPublicLibrary.