FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2002

Friends of the Bata Library: Exploring the Golden Age of Two Institutions

The Friends of the Bata Library are hosting a talk by Rae Fleming on Thursday, November 28, at 8 p.m. in the Bata Library Film Theatre at Trent University.

R.B. (Rae) Fleming is a member of the Friends of the Bata Library group, and will present a talk about the golden age of two Canadian "institutions" - the general store and the 1939 royal tour of Canada. Both issues have been featured in books written by Mr. Fleming, The Royal Tour of Canada (2002) and General Stores of Canada: Merchants and Memories (2002).

Mr. Fleming will talk about the process of writing the two books and will read excerpts from his work.
As a biographer and historian, Mr. Fleming has written local histories of Argyle and Eldon Township, as well as a biography of Sir William Mackenzie (1991). He has edited several books, and has written numerous historical articles for The Beaver and academic journals.

The Friends of the Bata Library comprises Peterborough and Trent members who share an interest in history, literature and the preservation of library materials. Founded in 1978, the Friends raise funds for special Bata Library purchases and library needs.

Coffee and cookies will be served by the Friends of the Bata Library at 7:30 p.m. at the Bata Library Film Theatre. This event is open to the public and is free to first-time visitors. Friends of the Bata Library memberships are also available, starting at $10 per person, and include all other lectures in this year’s series. Alistair MacLeod will speak to the Friends in February, 2003.

- 30 -

For more information contact:
Michael Peterman, professor of English Literature, Trent University,
(705) 748-1011, ext. 1737