Orange Shirt Day is September 30th every year. This day reminds us of one of the methods used to assimilate Indigenous communities to non-Indigenous ways. Indian Residential Schools were open for over 160 years, with the last one closing in 1996.1 Orange Shirt Day began in 2013, after Phyllis (Jack)...
These last few months have been crazy. You would think that social distancing and lock down would lead to more reading for booklovers but for me it hasn't been like that at all. I have been listening to audiobooks and podcasts and watching far too much television and playing mobile...
A pow wow is a very significant cultural event for First Nations peoples in North America. Pow wows can last anywhere from one day to several days, and usually takes at least one year to sucessfully plan and run. Dancers, singers, and drummers from all Indigenous nations gather to drum,...
Danya shares her recommendations on African short stories to read for the TPL Reading Challenge 2020.
American fantasy author Terry Goodkind passed away on September 17, 2020, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Jeri. Goodkind was famous for his epic series, The Sword of Truth. The books follow a standard fantasy plot, but Goodkind injected a darkness into his stories, as...
The Toronto Book Awards were founded in 1974 to honour books that best represent the city. The books may be written for adults, teens or children. All different types of books are considered. Fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, memoirs, photographic and art books are all eligible for the award. Here's this...
The Booker Prize shortlist was announced on September 15, 2020. The Booker Prize is one of the world's most prestigious literary awards. In previous years, the prize has honoured literary superstars like Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie. However, this year's shortlist celebrates new voices. It includes four debut novels from...
Beloved Canadian sitcom Schitt's Creek triumphed at the Emmy Awards this year and I am loving that journey for them! If you haven't watched this hilarious and heartwarming show yet, fear not bébé! You can borrow seasons 1-3 from the library today. If you're like me and you've already watched...
Independent and self-publishing puts diverse, experimental and unique books in reader's hands (or ereaders.) Staff and participant recommendations for this category encompass poetry, essay collections, short stories and novels. There is a book for every reader from the world of independent and self-publishing. Homie by Danez Smith Graywolf Press publishes...
Growing up, I was very involved in the Girl Guides so "Be Prepared" was a phrase I heard often*. They're good words to live by, and ones I have taken to heart over the years. This group of Girl Guides definitely knew how to be prepared. They are all receiving...