Barbara Streisand, The Beatles, and CLA: Share Your Memories

May 13, 2016

Mem’ries light the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored mem’ries of the way we were
— Barbara Streisand, The Way We Were

There are places I’ll remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I’ve loved them all
— The Beatles, In My Life

In 1946, librarians from across Canada gathered in Hamilton to found a new national library association. Speakers at the event spoke of it as being “the V-Day of our profession in Canada in its war against apathy, ignorance, narrow-mindedness, selfishness, and regionalism of any kind.”

In 2016, the Canadian library community will gather in Ottawa for one last Canadian Library Association conference (Forum) as CLA winds down. Just as the Canadian Library Association succeeded the Canadian Library Council as a national voice for the community, the Canadian Federation of Library Associations will become the new national voice.

While the community will debate whether CLA was effective and diagnose its ailments for years to come, for 70 years the Canadian Library Association brought together members of the library and information community from across the country and from points abroad. Connections were made, friendships were formed, collaboration happened and shared objectives were achieved.

As CLA prepares to host one last event, the community is invited to help mark the occasion by sharing your memories of the Association.

Share a picture, a poster, or a few words about the highlights of your association with CLA.

Post them on Twitter using the hashtag #CLAmemories

As a bonus, everyone who participates will be entered into a draw for a brand new Iconia One 7 Ebook Reader. The winner of the prize will be announced the following week. The content shared over social media will also be presented at the CLA Forum on a slideshow.