The Library Book Rate began in 1939 as a partnership between the Federal Government, Canada Post, and Canadian libraries. In 2005 it was discontinued as an official government program. Through the lobbying efforts of libraries and library organizations across Canada, Canada Post has provided year-to-year extensions. The current extension is due to expire December 31^st 2009. Its future is uncertain after that date.

It is the current low cost of the Library Book Rate that enables you to borrow from libraries across Canada, making 465 million⁺ library resources available to you, whether you live in rural or urban Canada. Increases to, or the disappearance of the Library Book Rate could increase costs by 24 times for libraries and greatly reduce your access to information, knowledge, and library services.

Canada Post Not On Side

The 2008 strategic review of the Canada Post Corporation suggested that the Library Book Rate was not a part of the Universal Service Obligations (mandate) of Canada Post. The Advisory Panel stated that libraries should pay commercial shipping rates on a per-volume basis rather than the current greatly reduced shipping rate.

Bill C-322 to the Rescue!

Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament currently has a Private Members (Bill – C-322) that advocates for an economically viable shipping rate for libraries, extends the definition of eligible materials under this program, and assigns responsibility for governance of this program to a federal government department. 

In addition to supporting Bill C-322, the 2009 Library Book Rate campaign advocates for the inclusion of the Library Book Rate in the Canada Post Universal Service Obligations/Mandate with a change to the Canada Post Corporation Act thus making the Library Book Rate recognized in law.

Act now – here’s how!

You have a chance to tell Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other government officials that you want the Library Book Rate partnership to be part of the federal government's vision for a prosperous Canada. Now is the time to speak up for your future and your free access to information and knowledge.

We have included letters for you to print and send to Prime Minister Harper, Minister John Baird (Transportation), Minister James Moore (Heritage), a generic letter to your MP and/or Senator and a letter of support to House of Commons Member for Brandon-Souris, Merv Tweed, the sponsor of Private Members Bill (C-322). 

Please note, the letter to Prime Minister Harper is a printable, addressed mailer.  Remember to print/copy both sides.

The address for your MP can be found here:  http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E

A list of Canada’s Senators is found here:  http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/senmemb/senate/isenator.asp?Language=E

Mail to any Senator can be sent to the following address: 

The Senate of Canada,
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1A 0A4

Postage is free to all government addresses.

Letters to download: