The Petawawa Informer-October 31,1990

Jean Risto, head librarian, Pat Needham, library board - a 20 volume set of the New Grove Dictionary of Music chairman and James and Charlotte Norcop examine and Musicians, the latest addition to the Petawawa Union Public Library Unique reference books donated to library Petawawa musicians will benefit from the latest donation to the public library. A 20 volume set of New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians was added to the Petawawa Public Library's collection recently.

The unique reference work is a gift of residents Charlotte and James Norcop. The encyclopedias are no ordinary dictionary. They are the most comprehensive, lucid and authoritative guide to the enjoyment and understanding of music ever created, according to Head Librarian Jean Risto.

Crammed with facts, analyses, fascinating illustrations and extensive listings of composers' works, the New Grove is a work of unrivaled musical scholarship by 2,400 contributors from more than 70 countries.

Birthday gift

James Norcop, who teaches singing in Petawawa, received the set from his wife as a 60th birthday present.

"It's a reference work I've always wanted to own," Norcop explained, "but not only is it too big for our home, I wanted to share it with all the musicians, students and music lovers in our area.

"We both decided," he added, "the library was the most appropriate home for it."

The Norcops and members of the Petawawa library board gathered for an official presentation ceremony at the Civic Centre, where the New Grove volumes were turned over to their new home.