BAnQ and the City Montréal to Host the 2017 MetLib International Conference from April 30 to May 5

MONTRÉAL, April 28, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) and the City of Montréal are jointly hosting the 2017 edition of the MetLib International Conference, the annual gathering of the Metropolitan Libraries Section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). The conference will take place in Montréal at the Grande Bibliothèque, from April 30 to May 5, 2017. This year's theme is "Partnerships: Creating a New Vision for Libraries".

''The annual gathering of the Metropolitan Libraries Section in Montréal coincides with a dual celebration, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the organization's foundation, as well as the 375th anniversary of the city's foundation,'' pointed out Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre. ''Moreover, the Bibliothèques de Montréal network is proud to be associated with this outstanding event. By welcoming the leaders of great libraries from major cities around the world, Montréal is confirming its status as an international city of culture and knowledge.''

Christiane Barbe, Chief Executive Officer of BAnQ, added: 'It is a great honour for BAnQ to welcome library leaders from major cities around the world to the Grande Bibliothèque. The 2017 MetLib Conference was developed in a spirit of partnership and is sure to further discussions on the challenges and issues that are intrinsically linked to the principles of cooperation. Building partnerships is essential for libraries, as it allows them to ever better meet the needs of the public, from young children to teenagers, adults and the elderly.''

Rich and diverse program

This week of activities and dialogue is a unique opportunity for library community representatives from all over the world to share their expertise.

In addition to speakers from Québec and Canada, who will present their innovative projects and partnerships, including the transformation of the Bibliothèque Saint-Sulpice, the 2017 MetLib Conference will welcome, in particular:

• Emmanuel Aziza, Director, Office of Libraries and Reading, Paris Mayor's Office, Cultural Affairs Department (France);
• Corrado Di Tillio, Standing Committee Chair – IFLA Section on Metropolitan Libraries;
• Étienne Mankiewicz, Assistant Director, Cultural Action and Communication Department, Lyon Public Library (France);
• Jasmina Ninkov, Director, Belgrade City Library (Serbia);
• Siobhan A. Reardon, President and Director, Free Library of Philadelphia (United States);
• Anna-Maria Soininvaara, Deputy Library Director in charge of the Division of Centralized Services, Helsinki City Library (Finland);
• Paul Takala, Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library (Canada);
• Ton van Vlimmeren, Director, Utrecht Public Library (Netherlands);
• Lucia Werder, Deputy Director, Bremen City Library (Germany).

To read the program: metlib2017montreal.org

The Metropolitan Libraries Section, formerly the International Association of Metropolitan City Libraries (INTAMEL), was founded in 1967. Its mission is to serve as a platform for information and dialogue for public libraries in major cities around the world with a population of 400 000 or more inhabitants.

The 2017 MetLib International Conference marks the 50th anniversary of the Metropolitan Libraries Section's foundation.

About BAnQ

As the largest cultural institution in Québec in terms of its attendance and diversified missions, and an essential pillar of the knowledge society, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) has the mandate to offer democratic access to culture and knowledge. To this end, it collects, preserves and promotes Québec's and Québec-related heritage materials, and also provides the services of a major public library. BAnQ carries out its activities in 12 facilities which are open to the public: the Grande Bibliothèque, BAnQ Vieux-Montréal and BAnQ Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie in Montréal; BAnQ Gaspé, BAnQ Gatineau, BAnQ Québec, BAnQ Rimouski, BAnQ Rouyn-Noranda, BAnQ Saguenay, BAnQ Sept-Îles, BAnQ Sherbrooke and BAnQ Trois-Rivières. In January 2016, BAnQ was tasked by the Québec Ministry of Culture and Communications and the City of Montréal with reinventing the Saint-Sulpice Library, located in Montréal.

About Bibliothèques de Montréal

Bibliothèques de Montréal has a network of 45 libraries distributed throughout 19 boroughs. Actively involved in neighbourhoods, Bibliothèques de Montréal's mission is to offer everyone access to reading, information, knowledge, culture and leisure. Their dynamic programs and dedicated teams make these libraries ideal places for visitors to experience knowledge in all its forms. The Bibliothèques de Montréal network has 4.2 million documents available seven days per week and provides lively spaces for all to gather and conduct exchanges.

SOURCE Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec

Claire-Hélène Lengellé, Media Relations Officer, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, 514 873-1101, ext. 3199, [email protected] ; Linda Boutin, Public relations officer, Communications department, Ville de Montréal, 514 872-6013, [email protected]