The Consulate General of the Republic of Macedonia
On July 4th, 2012, a significant milestone for Macedonian cultural preservation in Canada was reached when the Consul General, Dragan Gjurceski, officially presented the Canadian Macedonian Historical Society (CMHS) with an expansive virtual library of Macedonian literature. This prestigious collection comprises 130 titles spanning a diverse range of genres, including fiction, children’s literature, poetry, short stories, and drama. The donation represents a massive undertaking in cultural diplomacy, ensuring that the rich literary traditions of Macedonia are accessible to English-speaking audiences and future generations of the diaspora.
The magnitude of this project is reflected in the caliber of its contributors, as the works were translated into English by over 80 prominent scholars and linguists. Among this distinguished group was Dr. Christina Kramer from the University of Toronto, a renowned expert whose involvement underscores the academic rigor and quality of the collection. The official presentation took place in the presence of CMHS Co-presidents John Thomas and Virginia Evans, alongside several members of the Board and the general membership, marking a formal strengthening of ties between the Macedonian government and the historical community in Ontario.
The event also served as a bridge between the literature of the homeland and the vibrant creative output of the Canadian-Macedonian community. Patsy Sider, a leading voice in the Macedonian Literary Society, was in attendance to represent local authorship. In a generous gesture of solidarity, she donated three of her own published works to the society’s archives: Between Two Worlds (poetry), Amazing Garden (short stories), and Prohibited Culture – Zabraneta Kultura. Her contribution added a personal, contemporary layer to the historical and classical titles provided by the Consulate.
This acquisition is a major asset for the CMHS library, providing members with an unprecedented opportunity to explore Macedonian thought and creativity in their primary language. While the collection is now a cornerstone of the society's holdings, its full utility depends on community engagement. The CMHS remains hopeful that a dedicated group of volunteers will come forward to help organize and staff the facility, with the goal of reopening the library on a regular, weekly basis to ensure these 130 titles—and the stories they tell—remain a living part of the community’s daily life.