National Library of Canada, June 26-29.

ANNIVERSARIES; NATIONAL Library of Canada; NATIONAL libraries; PICTURE books; AWARDS

The National Library of Canada's 50th anniversary was celebrated with an international conference on Canadian children's literature, plus an exhilarating variety of cultural activities for young people. National librarian Roch Carrier announced that there will be a National School Library Day on the fourth Monday in October. Organized by the Canadian Coalition for School Libraries, the library summit opened with a lively and animated address by the author, entitled "It Takes a Spark to Ignite a Flame." The International Board on Books for Young People, Canada announced that the winner of the 2003 Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award was "The Tiger and the Dried Persimmon," written and illustrated by Janie Jaehyun Park and published by Groundwood Books. Authors, illustrators, publishers and librarians presented seminars on history, literacy, services and programs for children and youth. There were film programs, storytellers, and arts and crafts activities throughout all four days of the celebration.