02 March 2019

Closing and Hidden at LAC

There's a rumour that hours in the restricted documents room at Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington in Ottawa will be reduced as of 1 April 2019. Opening hours listed at http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Pages/service-opening-hours.aspx will be reduced to service hours, the major impact being losing access in the late afternoon and evening. I've tried to get confirmation but was told that four weeks notice will be given of any change. Sad for those who already booked a trip to Ottawa planning to take advantage of the evening hours.

There is an announcement on the LAC website and in the building that facilities at 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa will be closed on Saturday, March 16th 2019, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., due to building maintenance.

While at 395 on Wednesday I noticed staff working on the panels against the east wall above the sunken lobby. I was told the panels with images of prime ministers had fallen off and there were also some errors that had to be corrected. On leaving from taking the photo the commissionaire asked if I knew there was a much larger part of the exhibit at the end of the east corridor. Why would I? There was no notice that I could see. Proceeding along the corridor there was a lonely looking commissionaire at the exhibition entrance. Photography is prohibited in that room.
I also stumbled on a notice about the Friends of LAC bookstore. Located nearby it was guarded by a volunteer, also lonely looking, who seemed surprised and delighted when I purchased two used books — $2 each.

Both the main Prime Minister exhibit and the Friends bookstore are to all intents and purposes hidden.


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