Lincoln Pelham Library celebrating a Canadian literary icon

Anne of Green Gables is a book that has become synonymous with Canadian literature. She is a character that has endeared herself to Canadians in the more than 100 years since the novel was published – the first, and arguably the most well-known, for author Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942), said Nancy Ward, a circulation tech for the Lincoln Pelham Library who has put together a display at the library’s Fonthill branch to celebrate the author’s 150^th birthday.

The display features photographs, period-style clothing, a tea set and a decanter of “raspberry cordial” among other things.

“I would think Anne, as the character, is enduring because of her endless optimism and I think her optimism is placed in a real world,” Ward said. “She didn't have a fairy tale life. Her parents passed away, then she was deposited as an orphan, then she had to grow up as a foster child.”

Montgomery’s life, though, was not like that of Anne’s, Ward said.

“I think she loved the writing, but her life outside of writing was not one of eternal optimism. Anne was almost the antidote, or her escape.”

Montgomery’s mother died when she was just 21 months old and subsequently she wound up being raised by her grandparents.

“She is one of my favourite authors,” Ward said, adding that Montgomery wrote her books at a time when not many women did. However, Montgomery did follow in the footsteps of other female writers.

“She received a lot of inspiration, I think, from Little Women,” Ward said. “Louise May Alcott was one of her favourites, I believe. “She came along and was able to flourish because of other female authors.”

Anne of Green Gables has spawned numerous live action and animated TV series – Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning, and Anne with an E.

The display will be up until Montgomery’s actual birthday on Nov. 30. The library will also mark the occasion with a tea. The drop-in event will feature an 1800s photo booth as well as Anne of Green Gables-inspired activities and crafts. Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes to the tea.