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Aviation Museum gives library early Christmas gift

Dec. 17, 2009 – Christmas came early this year for 3370 public libraries across Canada when they received their copy of “The Fantastic Flight of the Silver Dart” from the Canada Aviation Museum. This wonderful book and the idea to place a copy in every public library in Canada was the brainchild of Linda Brand, the Museum’s Community Programs Officer.  

The illustrated children’s story book recounts the tale of Dr. Alexander Graham Bell and his involvement with Canada’s first powered flight, which took place on February 23, 1909; 100 years ago, aboard the Silver Dart.  The book was written not only to celebrate Canada’s centennial of flight, but also as a way to teach children about Canada’s aviation history.

The realization of the initiative to place a copy of the book in every public library was only made possible through the collaboration of the Canada Aviation Museum and the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation, the Curtiss-Wright Corporation and the National Air Museum Society. Delivery of the books was achieved with assistance from the Canadian Library Association, the Canadian Children’s Book Centre and the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The Response from the libraries across the country has been swift and glowing.

“Many thanks for the donation of the book ‘The Fantastic Flight of the Silver Dart’.  It is delightful 7 we are pleased to add it to our collection.”  Linde Turner  | Drumheller Public Library, Drumheller AB

“Thank you very much for sending the book ‘The Fantastic Flight of the Silver Dart’ to our library.  The children are really enjoying it.”  Fabienne Theyez  John Ayaruaq Public Library Rankin Inlet, NU

“On behalf of the children of our community we wish to express our sincere appreciation to all who contributed to this donation.  What a pleasure it is to add to our collection a piece of Canadian flight history that young readers can enjoy.”  Maureen Penn | Lac La Biche County Library, Lac La Biche AB

Copies of the book are available for purchase in both English and French at the Museum’s boutique, located within the Canada Aviation Museum on 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa.

The Canada Aviation Museum is Canada’s finest aviation museum with an internationally renowned aeronautical collection. The Museum, a component of the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation, is located at the intersection of Aviation and Rockcliffe Parkways, just 10 minutes from Parliament Hill.