Montréal, July 16, 2020 – Good news for researchers, students, professors, genealogists and other patrons who wish to personally access archives or other heritage materials held by Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ)! Starting July 20, they will be able to schedule an appointment in one of the reading rooms of BAnQ's archives centres located in Quebec City, Montréal, Rouyn-Noranda, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Sept-Îles, Rimouski and Gaspé (the Gatineau centre remains closed), as well as in the reading rooms of BAnQ Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie and of the National Collection housed at the Grande Bibliothèque.
To access materials in one of these archives centres, please contact the centre directly.
To access materials at the National Collection or at BAnQ Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, please email collectionspatrimoniales@banq.qc.ca.
The reading rooms of BAnQ’s facilities remain closed for now, except for patrons who have secured an appointment.
Remote reference service
As usual, BAnQ librarians and archivists continue to serve and support citizens in their research endeavours through the remote reference service. Requests can simply be communicated by email or by phone.
Planning a visit
The FAQ page about the reopening contains the latest information on how to plan a reading room appointment. It also answers many questions regarding access to materials, research conditions and reproduction requests.
Preventive COVID-19-specific health and safety measures have been introduced to safely welcome visitors. Layout of the various facilities has been modified to include signage reminding patrons of physical distancing measures, clear partitions at the service desks and hand sanitizer dispensers.
As of July 18, 2020, wearing a mask or face covering will be mandatory in every BAnQ facility, in compliance with government policy.
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'''BAnQ is the most important institution dedicated to cultural public service in Québec. Its existence and our services are justified through the strong ties we foster with millions of our fellow citizens who find an answer to their knowledge and culture needs in our offer. It is important for all of us that our doors reopen. Safely but surely, this gradual reopening is moving us forward!''
Jean-Louis Roy, BAnQ Chief Executive Officer
About BAnQ
Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) brings together three institutions whose purpose is to bring knowledge and culture to the entire province of Québec.
The National Library collects, processes and preserves all materials published in Québec and ensures that as many people as possible can access the heritage collections it has acquired
The National Archives house public and private archives and provide access to them online and through 10 archives centres located throughout Québec. They also provide a framework to help public organizations manage their materials.
The Grande Bibliothèque is a cultural meeting place in the heart of the city that provides free access to the largest collection of French books and materials in America. Québec’s public library also has a wide variety of digital resources.
BAnQ plays an active role in promoting Québec culture online.
