News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – During Provincial French Pride Week, March 19-25, the public may visit any of the 63 public libraries in the province and present their library card to sign out one free admission pass per cardholder to the Village Historique Acadien.

The pass will be valid for one visit between June 11 and Sept. 30.

“Our public libraries play an integral role in supporting lifelong learning,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault. “It is our hope that by making passes available in all public libraries, many New Brunswickers will take advantage of this valuable opportunity to gain a better understanding of our Acadian heritage.”

The aim of the partnership is to increase awareness of the ever-expanding free services offered in public libraries, and to provide patrons with an opportunity to visit the Village Historique Acadien, which is a living history museum recreating the daily lives of Acadians from 1770 to 1949. This program has been offered in the past in partnership with the Kings Landing Historical Settlement. Last year 2,910 free passes for Kings Landing were checked out from New Brunswick public libraries. This initiative is one of several that both parties will be offering to help New Brunswickers celebrate Canada 150.

“Heritage education has enormous economic and social value, and plays an important role in making our communities more vibrant,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames. “This initiative will allow New Brunswickers to experience this historic Acadian interpretation of our past and provide a greater sense of who we are and from where we have come.”

For more information about public libraries, or for instructions on how to obtain a free library card, visit the New Brunswick Public Library Service website or your local public library.

Information about the Village Historique Acadien, including hours of operation, is also available online.