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Library

A library dedicated to both circus arts creation and their living memory

Founded in 2004, the École nationale de cirque (National Circus School) Library possesses one of the most important collections of circus arts-related documentation open to the public in the Americas today. It serves as a national and international reference centre for research in and dissemination of circus arts and their history in Canada. As well, the wealth of the Library’s collections and expertise are made accessible to the extended community: the general public, circus professionals, and researchers and students of all kinds.

  • MissionOpen or Close

    Pursuing a mission in a creative hub

    In addition, the Library aims to ensure that the documented heritage of the circus arts in Canada is conserved and accessible. It also contributes to their development and dissemination and seeks to meet the circus arts research needs for the entire community. Located in the heart of the Cité des Arts du Cirque in Montreal, the Library plays a fundamental role in preserving and continuing the living memory of the circus arts in this country.

  • CollectionOpen or Close

    A unique collection that depicts the unique excitement generated by the circus arts

    The Library's collections encompass more than 15,000 items in French, English and other languages. Among the materials can be found books, DVD, rare and antique books, periodicals, performance and festival programs, documentary files on artists and companies, posters, post cards, photographs and soundtracks.  

    The collection’s wide range of materials principally traces the history of the circus arts from inception to the present, in Quebec and around the world. They also touch on the ways in the arts are taught and the creative processes of artists of yesterday and today. Materials pertaining to various related arts and sciences are included in the collection. Among them are: dance, theater, street and visual arts, stage design, architecture, and the medical, social and sports sciences.

    Moreover, it is with pride that the Library houses the exceptional Pascal Jacob Collection of over 5,000 rare and ancient documents related to circus arts.

  • Contact usOpen or Close

    Opening Hours

    Monday to Friday (June 1 to 23): 9am to 4pm

    Monday to Friday (July 4 to August 26): 10 am to 5pm
    Saturday and Sunday: closed

    *Please note that the library is closed from June 24 to July 3, 2022 and from July 16 to August 14, 2022


    Contact

    8181, 2nd Avenue, 5th floor
    Montreal (Quebec) H1Z 4N9

    Phone : (514) 982-0859, poste 230
    Fax : (514) 982-6025
    [email protected]

    For more information visit the contact us section.
    Find out more about the possibles paths here. 


    The Library Team

    Anna-Karyna Barlati, Library Manager
    [email protected]

    Mariline Gilbert, Library Clerk

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Online catalog

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