The Paperbag Princess, Mortimer, Lover You Forever; All just a few of the key titles written by esteemed children’s author Robert Munsch, whose personal archives are set to be made public at the Guelph Public Library’s new, upcoming Central location.
It follows an announcement by the Guelph Public Library and the Munsch Family stating that the author’s archives, covering his 40-year career, will be housed and made publicly available for viewing and research in 2027.
Those archives include everything from original drafts and notes from publishers to fan letters, photos, artifacts, and more, stretching across content from his 75 fully published picture books.
“We are excited to have the archives of Robert Munsch added to the Guelph Public Library,” the Munsch Family said. “The Library has been a large part of our family’s lives. When our children were young, Robert would take the kids every week to pick out new books. Robert Munsch is happy to continue to inspire kids and adults alike through the archives.”
He also previously worked with the University of Guelph at its pre-school, where it’s said that he was spurred on by his colleagues to begin publishing some of the stories that he had written.
The announcement comes not long after news began to stir that Munsch intended to access medical assistance in dying (MAID) due to his declining health from dementia. His daughter later clarified that he is still doing well and wouldn’t be dying anytime in the near future.
Concept photo of the Guelph Public Library’s new Central location. (Guelph Public Library)
“Robert Munsch captures the hearts of young readers and embodies the essence and importance of storytelling in the early years of learning and literacy,” said Eleni Hughes, Supervisor of Archives and Records Management at the Library. “The Library is honoured to house and provide access to Munsch’s archives to foster a deeper understanding of the stories that shaped many of our childhoods and the man who created and brought them to life.”
The personal archives will be available not long after the Central Library is set to open, currently slated for the fall of 2026.
“It’s an exciting time as we prepare to move to the new Central Library and expand our archives,” said Dan Atkins, CEO of the Library. “The Munsch family’s generosity stands alongside thousands of Library supporters who have advocated for the work we do.”
