Inauguration of the renovated library

John Abbott College held its long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony May 12 to inaugurate the renovated library. Designed by prize-winning ÉKM architects, the space has retained its historical charm while modern elements were added throughout.This project was made possible thanks to the Canada-Quebec Contribution Agreement for Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.

Following the 15-million-dollar renovation, the Library has moved its collection of 66,000 print volumes and other resources into a space of 3700 square meters situated at the heart of the campus.

“State of the art facilities are vital to educational excellence. This investment in the renewal of John Abbott’s library infrastructure is testimony to the priority our Liberal government places on post-secondary education as a driver of Canada’s progress and prosperity. Today’s investment is also a tangible expression of the federal government’s commitment to supporting and strengthening Canada’s minority official language communities.” mentioned Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis.

“Libraries in our higher education institutions are calm and soothing environments where knowledge, study and learning come together for the benefit of students’ overall development. It is no longer a given that the environments in which students live are of paramount importance to their success. By investing in this way, our government is once again demonstrating that education and higher education are top priorities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have made this wonderful project possible. This is a great legacy for the communities of the West Island of Montreal, Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue and John Abbott College,” added Christopher Skeete, MNA for Sainte-Rose, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister responsible for the Fight Against Racism.

“I just love the Library” said Mr. Halpin. “As soon as you enter, you can immediately feel the grandeur, see the light-flooded rooms and the numerous study areas occupied by students. The renovated space is truly conducive to learning and collaboration.”

“We are living a very important part of John Abbott College’s history today” added Gwyneth Edwards, Chair of the Board of Governors. “This century-old now renovated Library has seen generations of students and is ready to welcome many more curious minds.”

For his part, Guy Lallemand, Chair of the John Abbott College Foundation Board of Directors said, “I am pleased with the work of the Foundation’s Board and their effort in leading a successful fundraising campaign to support the Library renovations and window restoration project.”

Photo (left to right // gauche a droite):
Front: Francis  Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis,  Ivana Riveros Arteaga  (SUJAC) Student Union of John Abbott College President, Christopher Skeete, MNA for Sainte-Rose, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister responsible for the Fight Against Racism

Back: Guy Lallemand, Chair of the John Abbott College Foundation Board of Directors, John Halpin, Director General of John Abbott College and Gwyneth Edwards, Chair of the Board of Governors.