McGill has been fortunate in its friends. Early benefactors like Peter Redpath and William Molson gave generously for the purchase of books; holdings grew to half a million volumes by 1940 and kept growing. In the 1960s, Isabella McLennan’s gift provided a building large enough to house a number of major collections. Generous donors—major foundations, corporations and individuals like Dr. Richard Tomlinson, Seymour Schulich and the Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation—continue this tradition today.
The Friends
- Began in 1988 as a group of individuals with a deep commitment to the Library
- Is led by a board that includes community leaders, alumni, faculty, staff and students
- Builds support for the McGill Library and recognition of its importance
- Dedicates itself to enriching the services of the library to the university and the community, and enhancing the library's role on campus.
The Friends
- Lend support to the Library and its activities
- Expand the community's knowledge of the library
- Promote interest in the Library
- Support the services, collections, facilities and activities of the Library
- Encourage awareness of the Library's resources
- Enhance the cultural life of the community by active involvement with the Library's program of events
- Sponsor activities, exhibitions and events. These include
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