Parliamentary Library Interior, Ottawa, Canada by T. E. Smith-Lamothe

Canon G7

The Victorian-gothic styled Parliamentary Library is located behind the Centre Block Parliamentary Building and Peace Tower in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was completed in 1876 and narrowly escaped a devastating fire at the original Parliament in 1916. A fast-thinking librarian closed the steel doors at the connecting hallway. It wasn't lucky twice, though, when putting out a smaller fire in 1952 caused water damage which initiated an earlier renovation. The ornate wood shelving, decorative parquet flooring, embellished metal work and hidden access pathways to the upper tiers of books make this a fascinating snapshot of an antique library. It was modelled after the British Museum Library in London. A tall, white statue of a young Queen Victoria dominates the centre of the reading room. To find out more about the Library and Parliament Buildings and public access and tours, visit: www.canadascapital.gc.ca