GUELPH – Internationally renowned children’s author Robert Munsch has donated his personal archives of stories and materials to the Guelph Public Library archives, for research and display at the new central library.
The collection will include original drafts of his stories, notes from publishers, fan letters, photographs, published works in various formats and artifacts spanning his 40-year career and over 75 published picture books.
“We are excited to have the archives of Robert Munsch added to the Guelph Public Library,” says the Munsch family in a press release.
“The library has been a large part of our family’s lives. When our children were young, Robert would take the kids every week to pick out new books. Robert is happy to continue to inspire kids and adults alike through the archives.”
Guelph’s new central library will house and preserve the archives, with the collection made accessible to the public, researchers, educators and collaborators in 2027, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process behind classics including The Paperbag Princess, Love You Forever and Mortimer.
Munsch has been a beloved member of the Guelph community for more than 50 years.
It was through his work at a University of Guelph preschool that he was encouraged by colleagues to publish the stories he loved sharing with children, officials state.
“Robert Munsch captures the hearts of young readers and embodies the essence and importance of storytelling in the early years of learning and literacy,” says Eleni Hughes, supervisor of archives and records management at the library.
“The library is honored to house and provide access to Munsch’s archives to foster a deeper understanding of the stories that shaped many of our childhoods and the man who created and brought them to life.”
“The Munsch family’s extraordinary gift advances Guelph Public Library’s vision to empower and inspire literacy and lifelong learning for generations to come,” adds library CEO Dan Atkins.
“It’s an exciting time as we prepare to move to the new Central Library and expand our archives.
The Munsch family’s generosity stands alongside thousands of library supporters who have advocated for the work we do.”
