The Library of Parliament is an information repository and research service for the Parliament of Canada. Access to facilities is generally restricted to those on Chamber business; yet research publications produced are available to the public.
Its Gothic Revival building, attached to the rear of the Centre Block at Parliament Hill, was opened in 1876. In 1916 fire destroyed the Centre Block but miraculously spared the library. According to legend, a librarian detected the fire and closed the cavernous doors between the Library and the Centre Block. The Library also has a facility a short distance away on Sparks Street in downtown Ottawa.