Reporter’s 25-year collection archived in Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Reporter’s 25-year collection archived in Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

The Philippine Reporter’s 25-year collection of its print edition was donated (for archiving) to Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library (University of Toronto Libraries). From left: Leslie Gesell, Mila Astorga-Garcia, Anne Dondertman (Director, Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library), Hermie Garcia and Norman Garcia. (PHOTO: JOHN SHOESMITH)

TORONTO – The 25-year collection of The Philippine Reporter was recently turned over to the prestigious Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library of the University of Toronto Libraries, comprising the largest repository of rare manuscripts and books in Canada.

This means the priceless collection, which consists of rare original hard copies of The Philippine Reporter, will be preserved, maintained and made accessible to the public.

The collection was entrusted by its publishers, Hermie Garcia and Mila Astorga-Garcia, to the highly respected library, to keep it useful and accessible to everyone – students, researchers, journalists, policy makers, community, and the general public

On the uniqueness of The Philippine Reporter’s 25-year collection, Anne Dondertman, Director of the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library said in an email to The Philippine Reporter:

“We have not so far archived any similar material, either from the Philippine or any other community. Our focus has mainly been on historical material, but we are also trying to build research collections for the future, which is why your donation is so important to us. Given that the copies you donated may be the only complete run in the country, I feel it is important to archive this material for the future.”

Throughout its 25 years, the paper has covered the history, immigration trends, issues, life and times of Filipino Canadians, and captured how they have adapted to the new country, bringing with them their heritage and culture, education, training and skills and their life stories to share with other Canadians. It also covers important events happening in the Philippines that impact on the lives of Filipinos and Canadians alike.

The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library’s Canadiana literature includes the works of Margaret Atwood, among notable authors.