The Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec (ABPQ) and its partners BIBLIOPRESTO, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec and the Réseau BIBLIO du Québec are proud to invite residents of Québec to take part in the Great Contest: A visit to the library could make you a winner!, which will be held February 12-25, 2023 inclusively. This first-ever event in Québec aims to remind everyone that libraries are lively places to (re)discover. 

"We sometimes underestimate all the services that our library can offer us. Of course, in Rosemère, we can borrow books here, but also board games, films, vinyl records, seeds, and soon video games as well. Spaces are set up for studying and reading, and a variety of activities are available. This contest is an opportunity for our residents to reconnect with their municipal library and discover what it can do for them on a daily basis," stated Eric Westram, Mayor of the Town of Rosemère.

To thank Quebecers for using their public libraries or to encourage them to drop by for a visit, the Great Contest invites them to come and search for Golden Tickets and to register online at greatlibrarycontest.ca. Seventeen regional grand prizes awarded by Québec personalities and 200 instant prizes to be won! Guylaine Guay, Mélissa Bédard, Fabien Cloutier, Samuel Piette, Louise Penny, Marianna Mazza and many other celebrities will represent the administrative regions of Québec and will present a personalized gift to the winners. In addition, iPads and gift cards from Leslibraires.ca, Rabais Campus and Chocolats Favoris may be won by filling out the online form. Keep your eye out because a new Golden Ticket will be hidden every day in your local Rosemère library for the duration of the contest!

"As is the case for many cultural institutions, the pandemic has had a significant impact on public library visits. Now it's time to reconnect with the libraries and come back to visit them," stated Eve Lagacé, Executive Director of the Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec (ABPQ). "Public libraries are present and well rooted in their communities, offering residents free services that are adapted to their needs. The Great Contest encourages users to rediscover these very valuable places that local libraries truly are!"

Why visit your public library?  

•    Libraries are lively and inspiring places: we visit them to read, work, do crafts, get active, learn and try things out. They are lively and dynamic!

•    Libraries offer free services and spaces that are accessible to everyone: They offer a variety of services without discrimination in order to meet residents' needs for information, culture, education and much more.

•    Libraries have dedicated, competent staff to serve the population: Working in a public library means taking human relations to heart by striving for excellence in customer service. 

Win the prize to be awarded by Guylaine Guay in the Laurentians region! 

For the H.-J. Hemens Library, participants in Rosemère have a chance to win Guylaine Guay's award. This is a very special prize developed by the artist herself to promote Québec culture. It will also allow the lucky winner to enjoy a special moment thanks to the Great Contest!

About the contest

The Great Contest: A visit to the library could make you a winner! is organized by the Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec, in partnership with BIBLIOPRESTO, Bibliothèques et Archives nationales du Québec and the Réseau BIBLIO du Québec, and is made possible through the financial support of the Québec government. It will be held February 12-25, 2023. For more details about the contest: greatlibrarycontest.ca

About the ABPQ

The Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec is the main association of public libraries in Québec. Since 1984, it has provided leadership to ensure the development, strategic positioning and outreach of Québec's public libraries. The ABPQ raises awareness among decision-makers about the importance of quality library services to give the public democratic and universal access to knowledge and culture.