Olivia M.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

Canadians need to know lots, about how the government works; Canadians need to understand that Canada is a democracy and that we work together to make this a free country. Who would think that a library is important to the government? But I interviewed Jenn Bird (a former employee of the research branch in the library of Parliament) and did plenty of research, and both resources told me that the library is an environment of learning and that you could ask colleges or practically anyone who worked there, to help you find an answer to any question a parliamentarian might ask. She also told me that it’s more than just a library. (I mean if you think about it. Parliamentarians wouldn’t go to the library of Parliament to get the latest Harry Potter book out). The library of Parliament records what Canadians laws are and what they stand for. If we didn’t have a library, where would Parliamentarians go do their research? They need to know the facts before they can make any new laws or enforce any new regulations they also need information to follow current laws and make sure they aren’t breaking any.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

The most important thing I learned about the library of Parliament is that there is one to begin with. Sure I knew physically that there was one, but I just assumed it was an empty space with some books in it, just a tourist attraction mostly. But then I realised it was so much more. Not only is it a working environment full of clever and intelligent people but every single wood carving, book and person has a story to be told. In my perspective that’s what history is really about. You can focus on one big event or you see that each have their own little story you really don’t need to look at an entire history book to learn something knew you can look at the tiniest part of the book/library and learn something new!

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Things in the library aren’t that different to in the 1900 because the library is still in business but it definitely has had some renovations!