More than 150 members of the Queen’s and Kingston communities gathered in the iconic historic 1923 Reading Room on Thursday, Oct. 17 – 100 years to the day that Douglas Library opened – to celebrate the important role the library plays in the life and culture of the university and community. 

Vice-Provost and University Librarian Mark Asberg welcomed and thanked attendees, followed by Chancellor Shelagh Rogers, and Daniel Woolf, Professor and Principal Emeritus, both of whom spoke to the critical role libraries played in their lives – on academic and more personal fronts.  

Then a lecture, “Douglas Library: An Essay in Gothic Revival,” was given by renowned architectural historian, Jennifer McKendry, who discussed the building’s unique Gothic architecture. The festivities were wrapped up with some closing remarks by Brendan Edwards, Curator, W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections. 

“It was wonderful to see so many people gather to reflect on the library's legacy and help envision its future,” Dr. Asberg says. “Douglas Library has been here for 100 years, continuously transforming itself alongside library users and the evolving  needs and expectations of communities. At the core, libraries connect people to diverse forms of knowledge, emerging technologies, and, most importantly, each other, a message that was underscored so perfectly at this warm and memorable event.”  

If you missed the event, you can still view the Douglas Library Centennial virtual exhibit to learn more about Douglas Library.  

Vice-Provost and University Librarian Mark Asberg welcomes attendees of the 100th anniversary celebration of Douglas Library, held Oct. 17 in the 1923 Reading Rom.