Robert Munsch’s personal archives to be donated to new central library in Guelph, Ont.

The Guelph Public Library in southern Ontario has just received it is calling an “extraordinary gift” from beloved children’s author Robert Munsch, who is donating his personal archives for research and display.

“The Munsch family’s extraordinary gift advances Guelph Public Library’s vision to empower and inspire literacy and lifelong learning for generations to come,“ library CEO Dan Atkins said in a news release on Monday. 

The collection includes original drafts of Munsch’s stories, notes from publishers, fan letters, photographs, published work and other artifacts. 

Munsch has deep roots in Guelph, where he’s lived and worked for about 50 years. 

During his time in the city, he has worked at the University of Guelph’s department of family studies and applied nutrition. He received an honorary degree from the university in June 2000.

The author has published more than 75 picture books, including well-known titles like The Paper Bag Princess, Love You Forever and Mud Puddle.

Atkins told CBC News in September that Munsch’s books “are always the most popular.”

Guelph readers share their love for Robert Munsch and his books

Interest in the author and his books is high after a September article in the New York Times in which Munsch said he has been approved for medical assistance in dying — or MAID.  

The archives will be housed and preserved in the new central library location at 55 Baker St., which is currently under construction.

The library is expected to open in fall 2026 and the collection will be on display to the public starting in 2027. 

Eleni Hughes, the supervisor of archives and records management at the library, told CBC News this is a big opportunity for the library.

“Robert Munsch is a prominent figure in this community, so having the ability to preserve his legacy is very important for us,” Hughes said. 

“It’s a part of the city’s history.”

The Guelph Public Library Archives is currently inside the main branch at 100 Norfolk St. Its aim is to “preserve Guelph’s valuable civic, cultural and personal history,” according to the release.

Some examples include writings from Guelph’s founder, John Galt, Biltmore Hat factory memorabilia and an engraved piece of wood from the first tree cut in Guelph when it was founded in 1827.

The new archive space will be housed on the third floor of the central library and will be expanded to include new content, including the Munsch collection.

“It will be exciting for us to think about how we want to display certain items” from Munsch, Hughes said. 

“[I] hope that it will be a draw for classes and for community members and for members all over to be able to come.”