Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec

Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) serves as the national library and archives for the province of Quebec. Its core mandate includes acquiring, preserving, and making accessible Quebec’s published and unpublished documentary heritage. BAnQ provides library services to the general public, researchers, students, and professionals through physical locations and digital platforms. The institution offers access to collections of books, manuscripts, maps, audiovisual materials, and government publications. In addition to lending and reference services, BAnQ organizes exhibitions, cultural programs, and educational outreach initiatives.

BAnQ holds the legal deposit responsibility for all materials published in Quebec, ensuring a comprehensive record of the province’s intellectual output. Its distinguishing attributes include specialization in Quebec‑specific content, a leadership role in digitization and long‑term preservation, and a mandate to support cultural democratization. As a public institution, BAnQ operates under the authority of the Government of Quebec and reports to the Minister of Culture and Communications. The organization’s headquarters are located in Montreal, with additional service points across the province, including the Grande Bibliothèque. In June 2022, BAnQ experienced a cybersecurity incident that disrupted its digital platforms and access to archival materials, prompting an internal investigation, containment measures, and transparent communication about recovery efforts.