Read Local BC

Fraser Valley Writers Festival
2025-11-07 - 2025-11-09
The Fraser Valley Writers Festival is an annual two-day literary festival featuring keynote addresses, readings, panel discussions, writing workshops, live podcast recordings, and more, hosted at the Abbotsford campus of the University of the Fraser Valley.
​November 7-8, 2025
UFV Abbotsford, Room B101

Neveah North (ON EDGE READING SERIES: FALL 2025)
2025-11-13 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Vancouver) | Emily Carr University of Art + Design, 520 E 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5T 0H2, Canada
The On Edge Reading Series showcases the work of writers who are doing the freshest, most interesting, and relevant work, writers who are also artists, volunteers, literary award winners, social justice organizers, prison abolitionists, literary organizers, dancers, managing editors, filmmakers, creative writing instructors, and scholars.
FEATURING:
Neveah North
Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 5:30PM PT
IN-PERSON in the Aboriginal Gathering Place at Emily Carr University (520 E 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC)
Livestream option: Visit linked Zoom registration page!
Nevaeh Emily North is 36 years old and a proud member of the Carrier Nation, born in Kelowna and raised in Prince George, British Columbia. Her journey hasn’t been easy — she spent almost 16 years incarcerated. Those years shaped her in deep and lasting ways. They were some of the hardest of her life, but they also gave her strength, perspective, and a powerful sense of purpose. Today, Nevaeh stands rooted in her culture and identity. She carries forward the teachings of her ancestors and the lessons learned through both pain and resilience. She passionate about healing, growth, and giving back to her community — especially to others who feel forgotten or silenced. Navaeh’s story is still unfolding, but she walks forward with honesty, pride, and hope.
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All readings are FREE and open to the public. ASL interpretation is provided for all readings. On Edge is organized and hosted by Mercedes Eng and assisted by Eliza.
For any other inquiries: Please email onedge@ecuad.ca
The series is support by the Emily Carr Writing Centre with grateful acknowledgement to the Canada Council for the Arts and the Coast Salish First Nations whose traditional lands we are on.
Instagram: @onedgereadingseries

Rahat Kurd at Planet Earth Poetry
2025-11-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Russell Books, Victoria, BC, Canada
On November 21, head to Russell Books to see Rahat Kurd feature at Planet Earth Poetry! Kurd will be sharing poetry from her brand new collection The Book of Z. Now in their 30th season, Planet Earth Poetry is Victoria’s longest-running poetry-only open mic and reading series. All of the information can be found here.
Rahat Kurd at Planet Earth Poetry
Russell Books
Victoria, BC
November 21, 2025
7:00 p.m.

Author Talk: Robert J. Muckle
2025-11-26 18:30 - 19:30 | North Vancouver Public Library – Lynn Valley branch, 1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7J 0A2, Canada
Join us for an evening with Robert Muckle as he discusses his book Once upon This Land: Archaeology in British Columbia and the Stories It Tells.
Once upon This Land introduces readers to some of the most notable archaeological investigations, including footprints left in mud on Calvert Island 13,000 years ago, the remains of a large First Nations village near Lillooet, and the body of a man frozen in ice for centuries in the Tatshenshini region. He also investigates more recent phenomena, such as a fur-trade fort, remains of the gold rush, a First World War internment camp near Fernie, a Japanese logging camp in North Vancouver, shipwrecks, airplane crashes, and even the remnants of COVID-19 left behind in urban landfills.
Robert will discuss the book, answer questions, and have copies of the book for sale.

Four BC Poets Laureate
2025-11-28 19:30 - 21:00 | Russell Books, Victoria, BC, Canada
ON Friday, November 28, Planet Earth Poetry is presenting a special evening of readings by four British Columbia Poets Laureate (presented as a sister event with Twisted Poets Reading Series in Vancouver on January 21, 2026).

North Shore Authors Collection Book Sale
2025-12-06 15:00 - 17:00 | North Vancouver Public Library – Lynn Valley branch, 1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7J 0A2, Canada
Join us for an exciting Book Sale featuring the authors from the 2025/2026 North Shore Authors Collection!
The North Shore Authors Collection celebrates the literary talent of North Shore authors by highlighting locally created content in all three North Shore libraries. This is your opportunity to purchase some of the titles featured in this year’s collection while meeting the authors in person to chat about their work or have your books personally signed.
Bring your friends, your family, and your love for local literature. We can’t wait to see you there!
Let’s read local and support local authors.
Note: authors may have different payment preferences, including cash, e-transfer, or cheque.

Giant Silent Reading Party
2025-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 6B1, Canada
Are you stressed about the holidays or feeling a little lonely? The Vancouver Public Library is hosting a giant silent reading party to combat the holiday blues. Our “silent reading party” at the library is a social space where patrons can sit together and read in silence. Do you have book that you just haven’t had the time or space to finish? Well now you can finally bring that book out of your giant TBR pile to the table!
Enjoy the company of other book lovers with a 30 minute conversational social afterwards to discuss what you are reading.

North Shore Reads - A Couple's Story of Confronting Chronic Pain
2026-01-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
In the fifth North Shore Reads, Kara Stanley, Simon Paradis, and Marsha Lederman discuss Stanley’s new book “The Pain Project.”
Ten years after her husband Simon Paradis’ catastrophic injury to his brain and spinal cord, Kara Stanley and Simon decide to spend one year researching pain, interviewing experts, reading self-help books, and trying new and alternative methodologies to deepen their knowledge and bring ease back into their lives. In “The Pain Project: A Couple’s Story of Confronting Chronic Pain,” Kara and Simon record their honest conversations, insightful journal entries, and affectionate banter, all while addressing the nature of suffering and pain. Ultimately hopeful, their story is one for anyone looking for a greater understanding of pain as a phenomenon and in their own lives.
Don’t miss this thoughtful online conversation between Kara, Simon, and The Globe and Mail’s Marsha Lederman on what it means when we confront pain head on.
The event is held virtually via Zoom webinar. A link will be emailed to you two days before to the email address you used to register.

An Evening with Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
2026-01-29 19:30 - 20:30 | The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
Sintering: Making new worlds across difference

In this talk, we will think alongside water as a theorist, a network and a map to making worlds beyond the one we have inherited from colonialism.
–Leanne Betasamosake Simpson

Leanne Betasamosake Simpson is one of the most compelling Indigenous voices of her generation. A Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg writer, musician, and scholar, Simpson will discuss her most recent book, Theory of Water, a national bestseller. Reimagining water’s relationship to all beings and life-forces, Simpson envisions it as a catalyst for radical change, capable of birthing a new world.
Whether on stage or on the page, Simpson invites audiences into layered worlds where Indigenous ways of knowing become powerful acts of resilience, care, and transformation. See her live at this insightful talk of discovery. Use the promo code SIMPSON10 for $10 off up to 4 tickets!

The Strangest Thing in the Sea and Other Curious Adventures: an Afternoon with Author Rachel Poliquin!
2026-01-31 13:00 - 14:30 | North Vancouver Public Library – Parkgate branch, 3675 Banff Court, North Vancouver, BC, V7H 2Z8, Canada
Celebrate Family Literacy Week at Parkgate Library! Join us for an exciting, engaging, and interactive program with a local author.
Rachel Poliquin explores wonder and curiosity in her gorgeous book The Strangest Thing in the Sea. During this program, Rachel will share the inspiration behind the book – then invite participants to dive deep into a world of creative thinking and strangeness by creating their very own Strangest Thing in the Sea!
Registration is required. This program is best suited for children aged 6-12. Parents are highly encouraged to participate and to attend if they feel their child may benefit from extra support.
Rachel Poliquin is an award-winning author of children’s non-fiction. She mostly writes about animals and particularly likes exploring the overlooked heroes of the natural world. Her books include I Am Wind: An Autobiography, This is Orange, and The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers, which has been translated into 10 languages. She lives in Vancouver, Canada with her husband, three children.
For more information, please reach out to Parkgate Library at 604-929-3727 ext. 8166.

Follow Request: Speed Friending at the Library
2026-02-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 6B1, Canada
We know it is tough to make friends in Vancouver so we’re here to help. Bring your favourite book, e-book, graphic novel, DVD, podcast, blog or zine to discuss at this fun, casual, in-person event at Central Library.
You’ll have six minutes with each person to chat about the item you brought and see if there is a friendship connection. At the very least you’ll have a bunch of interesting conversations with people who share similar interests.
This event is open to all with limited space available and takes place in the Alice MacKay room in the Lower Level of the Central Library.
Registration is required and this event will be capped at 100 people, so sign up early!

Once Upon This Land: Archaeology in British Columbia and the Stories It Tells with Bob Muckle
2026-02-07 14:00 - 15:30 | West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1J8, Canada
In celebration of Heritage Week later this month, Bob Muckle, author of Once Upon This Land: Archaeology in British Columbia and the Stories It Tells, will talk about British Columbia’s fascinating array of famous and lesser-known archaeological sites, from footprints left in mud on Calvert Island 13,000 years ago to remnants of COVID-19 left behind in urban landfills. Bob is a registered professional archaeologist who taught for many years in the Department of Anthropology at Capilano University.
Following this talk, the District of West Vancouver Archivist Reto Tschan will moderate a question-and-answer period about Bob’s archaeological work.
Presented in partnership with the District of West Vancouver Archives.

Comic Pre-Launch Party: Passing in the Night
2026-02-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Cross & Crows Books, 2836 Commercial Dr,, Vancouver, BC, V5N 4C6, Canada
Meet the author of Passing in the Night by Meghan Kemp-Gee, an upcoming graphic novel published by Vancouver-based publisher Shrimp Cult Press. Passing in the Night is the story of two star-crossed lovers, Ruth and Gloria. Ruth is a busy medical resident with a sleep disorder… and Gloria transforms into a giant flying lizard every night. While they struggle to make things work at home, Ruth gets kidnapped by fairies and anti-magic riots spread throughout the city. Can they make things work, or are they just two ships passing in the night?
Passing in the Night was illustrated by the incredibly talented, GLAAD and RINGO-award-winning Lane Lloyd, and lettered by Megan Praz, the illustrator of One More Year an Contested Strip.
The event will include a talk by author Meghan Kemp-Gee, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and an exclusive comic of the opening pages of the book for anyone who backs the Kickstarter. We are generously hosted by Cross & Crows Books, a bookstore in East Vancouver that celebrates queer stories.

Incite: Maggie Helwig on Encampment
2026-02-10 19:00 - 20:00 | VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY – CENTRAL LIBRARY
Presented in partnership with Vancouver Public Library.
The housing crisis plaguing major urban centres across Canada has sent countless people into the streets. In spring 2022, some of them found their way to the yard beside the Anglican church in Toronto’s Kensington Market, where Maggie Helwig is the priest. They pitched tents, formed an encampment, and settled in. Known as an outspoken social justice activist, Helwig has spent the last three years getting to know the residents and fighting tooth and nail to allow them to stay.
Winner of the 2025 Toronto Book Award and one of CBC Books’ and the Globe and Mail’s best books of 2025, Encampment tells the story of Helwig’s life-long activism as preparation for her fight to keep her churchyard open to people needing a home. More importantly, it introduces us to the Artist, to Jeff, and to Robin: their lives, their challenges, their humanity. It confronts our society’s callousness in allowing so many to go unhoused and demands, by bringing their stories to the fore, that we begin to respond with compassion and grace.
Helwig shares her story and theirs, and answers audience questions, with The Tyee senior editor Jackie Wong, whose journalism on housing and drug policy has been published widely. Books will be for sale at the event by Upstart & Crow, with a signing afterwards.

Getting Juicy with Awfully Hilarious: Pillow Talk Book Launch
2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Whistler Public Library, 4329 Main Street, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4, Canada
Join us at Whistler Public Library as we celebrate the launch of the latest and greatest from the Awfully Hilarious Project.
First, we cringed and laughed at tales of first dates. Then, we nodded in agreement and horror as we read Period Pieces. Now, join us for the launch of the third book in the series, Pillow Talk. This latest addition to the Awfully Hilarious series takes us into the bedrooms (and back-seats and bathrooms) of its writers with true tales of intimacy, pleasure, and desire.
This book launch will feature readings from several Pillow Talk contributors including Awfully Hilarious mastermind Heather Hendrie, followed by a conversation moderated by Library Program Coordinator Jeanette Bruce and a Q&A with the audience.

Book Launch: Pillow Talk
2026-02-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Squamish Public Library, 37907 2 Ave, Squamish, BC, V8B 0A7, Canada
Join us at the Squamish Public Library as we welcome back Heather Hendrie, the Imagination Agent behind the Awfully Hilarious trilogy. We cringed and laughed at tales of first dates. We nodded in agreement and horror as we read Period Pieces. Now join us for the launch of the third book in the series, Pillow Talk.

Off the Shelf Poetry Reading Series: Jeff Derksen & Saba Pakdel
2026-02-27 19:00 - 21:00 | SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Please join Simon Fraser University’s Department of English and Poetry in Canada for a poetry reading featuring Jeff Derksen and Saba Pakdel.
Details:
Date/Time: Friday, February 27th (Doors 6:30 PM; Event: 7-9 PM)
Location: SFU Belzberg Library at Harbour Centre campus (515 West Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3)
This is a free event, no RSVP required.
Bios:
Jeff Derksen: https://www.sfu.ca/english/people-dir/faculty/jeff-derksen.html
Saba Pakdel: Saba Pakdel: Saba Pakdel is a poet, migration literature scholar, and PhD candidate in English at the University of Victoria. In her SSHRC-funded PhD research, Saba specializes in migration study and climate-induced mobility with a focus on modern and contemporary literature, exploring the experience of exile, displacement, and climate crises. Saba has published two poetry chapbooks In-Between (2022) and Un-Composed (2024) by above / ground press.
Venue Accessibility:
This in-person event takes place at the SFU’s Harbour Centre campus. It is easily accessible by transit and near SkyTrain. The campus is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair accessible washrooms. Gender neutral washrooms are also available.

"The Librarians" Film Screening at the Rio Theatre
2026-02-28 03:30 - 17:30
Celebrate Freedom to Read by joining local libraries for a screening of the 2025 documentary The Librarians, a documentary film about how Librarians unite to combat book banning, defending intellectual freedom on democracy’s frontlines amid unprecedented censorship in Texas, Florida, and beyond.
The screening will be accompanied by a short discussion with local librarians and academics on book bans and challenges in Canada, including libraries’ roles in protecting freedom to read and how we can all defend our right to intellectual freedom.
Where: Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5N 1W1)
When: Saturday, February 28 (Doors 3:00 pm | Movie 3:30 pm)
Tickets & more info: $16 from the Rio Theatre:
https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/40213-the-librarians-with-post-show-panel-discussion

Poetry Reading: Steven Seidenberg & Danielle LaFrance
2026-03-08 19:00 - 21:00 | People’s Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5L 3X5, Canada
Poets Steven Seidenberg and Danielle LaFrance will be reading at People’s Co-op Bookstore on Sunday, March 8th (7-9 PM).
This is a free event and all are welcome – no need to RSVP.
*This event is hosted by Simon Fraser University’s Department of English.
Bios:
Writer and artist Steven Seidenberg’s literary works include “Coda” (Omnidawn, Fall 2025), “Anon” (Omnidawn, 2022), and “plain sight” (Roof Books, 2020). His books have been published in Italian, Portuguese and Swedish translation, and his most recent collection of photographs is “The Architecture of Silence” (Contrasto, 2023).
Danielle LaFrance is a poet and information malprofessional. Their commitments are anchored to liberation, resistance, and pleasure. LaFrance is the author of “species branding” (Capilano University Editions, 2010), “Friendly + Fire” (Talonbooks, 2016), “JUST LIKE I LIKE IT” (Talonbooks, 2019), and “#postdildo” (Talonbooks, 2022). LaFrance co-created the reading and journal series, “About a Bicycle” and currently collaborates on the ad infinitum intertextual sound project, “Yes, Sydo”. Their forthcoming book, “Verbal Violence” (Talonbooks, 2026) is a scrolling indictment of the professional managerial class. They reside as a guest on still occupied and still unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ lands.

FREE Celebration of Outdoor Learning Books!
2026-03-10 16:00 - 17:00 | https://outdoorlearning.com/event/spring-celebration-2026/, Virtual Event
Free 1 Hour Virtual Event on Tues, March 10 at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern Time.
Sign-up: https://outdoorlearning.com/event/spring-celebration-2026/
This is a chance to connect virtually with the incredible authors of some of the outdoor and Indigenous learning resources that we’ve published. Get the inside scoop, hear about their process, and ask any burning questions. Offered in partnership with Take Me Outside, with the support of Creative BC.
All registrants will receive:
– Access the recording, in case you can’t join us live
– Access a Certificate of Attendance
– Entry for some great prizes!
– A 15% coupon code to access any of the books featured!
Offered in partnership with Take Me Outside, with the support of Creative BC.

Nowruz Celebration: The Seven Trials of Esfandiyar
2026-03-14 14:00 - 16:00 | VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY – CENTRAL LIBRARY
Hear the story of the Seven Trials of the hero Esfandiyar from the famous The Persian Book of Kings! In true heroic fashion, Esfandiyar fights beasts, a dragon, and a mythical bird to get to the fortress where his sisters are held captive. But not all tasks require raw strength and battle skills – heroism is about more than that.
Led by Dr. Alexandra Hoffmann, this event guides you through the story, featuring an engaging lecture, recitations in Persian and English, and an opportunity for discussion. Join us for an afternoon immersed in Persian culture and learn how one might go about killing a dragon.
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This event is organized by Ashkan Doremami, BA (UBC), Dr. Alexandra Hoffmann, Assistant Professor of Classical Persian Literature and Culture (UBC), and Dr. Hessam Dehghani, Assistant Professor of Teaching in Persian Language and Culture (UBC).
In partnership with the Persian Language and Culture Program at UBC and PanBeh Bookstore (Vancouver’s Iranian/Persian Bookstore).

Giant Silent Reading Party
2026-03-17 18:00 - 20:30 | Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 6B1, Canada
Are you feeling a little lonely and finding it hard to connect with community in Vancouver? The Vancouver Public Library is hosting a giant silent reading party to get ready for Spring. Our “silent reading party” at the library is a social space where patrons can sit together and read in silence. Do you have book that you just haven’t had the time or space to finish? Well now you can finally bring that book out of your giant TBR pile to the table!
Enjoy the company of other book lovers with a 30 minute conversational social afterwards to discuss what you are reading.
*Light refreshments will be provided.

Somatic Writing Workshop
2026-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | wildfires bookshop, 712 A 12th Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M 4J6, Canada
Join us for a Somatic Writing Workshop with poet, spoken word artist, playwright, and somatic psychotherapist, Mercedes Baines. Somatics refers to a practice of listening to and dialoguing with the body (which includes the mind and imagination), allowing us to be present with ourselves.
As local and global injustices continue, our bodies also continues to process, reflect, and protect. Embodied practices like somatic writing can create a space for grounding, connection, and attuned creative expression. Our bodies are a rich and prolific source of inspiration – Images, memories, dreams, and metaphors are within and tapping into them can build our capacity to see ourselves and each other with deep care and empathy.
Resmaa Menakem says, “The body, not the thinking brain, is where we experience most of our pain, pleasure, and joy, and where we process most of what happens to us. It is also where we do most of our healing, including our emotional and psychological healing. And it is where we experience resilience and a sense of flow.”
Whether you are a seasoned writer or this is your first time participating in this type of workshop, you are welcome to join us for an evening of sensory, celebratory & sacred expressions. You will be invited to engage with breath awareness, mindfulness, visualization, memory, dreams, sound, drawing, gentle movement all to foster a deeper attunement to the flow of images and ideas that are already within you and waiting for you to express.
More about our facilitator, Mercedes:
Mercedes Baines (MA, RCC, CCC, CAC) (she/her) is a poet, spoken word artist, playwright, performer & somatic psychotherapist, facilitator, instructor and consultant in private practice – Mind In Body. She identifies as a multi-racial, fat-bodied, queer-adjacent, cis-gendered woman who is a trauma survivor and lives with chronic illnesses. Her work in the performing arts (SFU School for Contemporary Arts), her training in somatic trauma healing (Somatic Experiencing) and Adlerian Therapy (Adler University), influences her approach to psychotherapy & her understanding of the healing and the creative processes. She is passionate about exploring ways to inhabit both the healing & creative processes in ways that are collaborative, embodied & integrated. Her themes of creative practice include: intersection of race & sexuality; identity & race politics; eroticism & sensuality; body image; fantasy; gender identity; intimate relationships & trauma. Her areas of psychotherapy practice include: body image; trauma; living with a life-altering (chronic)/life-threatening illness; disordered eating; depression; anxiety; grief and loss; identity; sexuality and issues related to race and culture.
This event takes place in our Literary Lounge at 712 A 12th Street, in so called new west – the stolen and occupied territories of the Halq’eméylem speaking peoples.
Please register on our website : https://wildfiresbookshop.com/events/49928

Somatic Writing Workshop
2026-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | wildfires bookshop, 712 A 12th Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M 4J6, Canada
Join us for a Somatic Writing Workshop with poet, spoken word artist, playwright, and somatic psychotherapist, Mercedes Baines. Somatics refers to a practice of listening to and dialoguing with the body (which includes the mind and imagination), allowing us to be present with ourselves.
As local and global injustices continue, our bodies also continues to process, reflect, and protect. Embodied practices like somatic writing can create a space for grounding, connection, and attuned creative expression. Our bodies are a rich and prolific source of inspiration – Images, memories, dreams, and metaphors are within and tapping into them can build our capacity to see ourselves and each other with deep care and empathy.
Resmaa Menakem says, “The body, not the thinking brain, is where we experience most of our pain, pleasure, and joy, and where we process most of what happens to us. It is also where we do most of our healing, including our emotional and psychological healing. And it is where we experience resilience and a sense of flow.”
Whether you are a seasoned writer or this is your first time participating in this type of workshop, you are welcome to join us for an evening of sensory, celebratory & sacred expressions. You will be invited to engage with breath awareness, mindfulness, visualization, memory, dreams, sound, drawing, gentle movement all to foster a deeper attunement to the flow of images and ideas that are already within you and waiting for you to express.
More about our facilitator, Mercedes:
Mercedes Baines (MA, RCC, CCC, CAC) (she/her) is a poet, spoken word artist, playwright, performer & somatic psychotherapist, facilitator, instructor and consultant in private practice – Mind In Body. She identifies as a multi-racial, fat-bodied, queer-adjacent, cis-gendered woman who is a trauma survivor and lives with chronic illnesses. Her work in the performing arts (SFU School for Contemporary Arts), her training in somatic trauma healing (Somatic Experiencing) and Adlerian Therapy (Adler University), influences her approach to psychotherapy & her understanding of the healing and the creative processes. She is passionate about exploring ways to inhabit both the healing & creative processes in ways that are collaborative, embodied & integrated. Her themes of creative practice include: intersection of race & sexuality; identity & race politics; eroticism & sensuality; body image; fantasy; gender identity; intimate relationships & trauma. Her areas of psychotherapy practice include: body image; trauma; living with a life-altering (chronic)/life-threatening illness; disordered eating; depression; anxiety; grief and loss; identity; sexuality and issues related to race and culture.
This event takes place in our Literary Lounge at 712 A 12th Street, in so called new west – the stolen and occupied territories of the Halq’eméylem speaking peoples.

Off the Shelf Poetry Reading Series: Joanne Leow, Garth Martens, Fenn Stewart
2026-03-27 19:00 - 21:00 | SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Please join Simon Fraser University’s Department of English and Poetry in Canada for a poetry reading featuring our own Professor Joanne Leow and Garth Martens and Fenn Stewart.
Details:
Date/Time: Friday, March 27th (Doors: 6:30 PM; Readings 7-9 PM)
Location: SFU Belzberg Library (SFU’s Harbour Centre campus – 515 West Hastings St., Vancouver)
*Free Event; No RSVP Required
Bios
Joanne Leow is Associate Professor and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair of Transnational and Decolonial Digital Humanities in the Department of English at Simon Fraser University. Her first academic monograph is “Counter-Cartographies: Reading Singapore Otherwise” (Liverpool University Press, 2024). She is also a poet and writer with a debut collection of poetry, “Seas Move Away” (Turnstone Press, 2022) and a forthcoming creative-critical memoir, “Exhumations: In the Body of a Petrostate” (Alchemy Press, 2026). Her writing and research interests lie at the intersections of spatial theory, decolonial theory, postcolonial studies, transnational and diasporic texts, and the environmental humanities.
Garth Martens is the author of “Prologue for the Age of Consequence” and “Who Else in the Dark Headed There”. For his first book, he was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Poetry. He is also a past winner of the Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers. His poetry appears in “Dark Mountain Project”, “Poetry Ireland”, “Hazlitt”, “This Magazine”, “Vallum”, “Fiddlehead”, and “Best Canadian Poetry”. He is a co-founder and producer for Palabra Flamenco, a literary flamenco ensemble that joins traditional flamenco dance and music with poetry and oral storytelling. He lives in Victoria, BC.
Fenn Stewart is the author of three chapbooks and two poetry collections – “Better Nature”, which was longlisted for the 2018 Gerald Lampert Memorial Prize, and “women & roosters” (2025). A former editor of “The Capilano Review”, she continues to serve on the magazine’s editorial board. Stewart holds a PhD in social and political thought, and teaches literature and writing at Capilano University. She lives with her kids, and the world’s nicest dog, on unceded Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəỷəm (Musqueam), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territories.
Venue Accessibility
This in-person event takes place at the SFU’s Harbour Centre campus. It is easily accessible by transit and near SkyTrain. The campus is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair accessible washrooms. Gender neutral washrooms are also available.

Introducing Cee Peal: 2026 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
2026-03-31 18:00 - 19:30 | VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY – CENTRAL LIBRARY
Vancouver Public Library is honoured to introduce Cee Peal as the 2026 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence.
Cee Peal is a theatre artist from the Nisga’a First Nation of Northern B.C. now working in Vancouver on the traditional, unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-waututh), and sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) peoples. He brings to the library his experience in storytelling, theatre, and image making, drawing from his experience working as an actor, director, writer, dancer, and producer on various productions. With a passion for Indigenous studies and cultural evolution, Cee is also the Indigenous outreach coordinator at The Cultch and the artistic associate at The Carmen Arts Group.
To find out more about Cee’s residency and keep up with his upcoming events visit: vpl.ca/storyteller
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Join us for an evening of storytelling and theatre magic with special guests.

A Reading of the Play El Terremoto by Christine Quintana
2026-04-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 6B1, Canada
Touchstone Theatre and Neworld Theatre present a reading of Christine Quintana’s play El Terremoto (directed by Daniela Atiencia). Twenty years have passed since the three Jurado sisters lost their parents, and life just seems to continue on in their East Vancouver home.
A birthday party, a failed proposal, and a missed connection fill the days and months until an earthquake nearly destroys the city, and brings forward a shocking turn of events that splits their world wide open.
From Dora-Award winning playwright Christine Quintana, El Terremoto is a dramatic comedy about how nothing matters, so everything matters.
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A reading of the full play by seven actors will be followed by a Q & A at the end of the evening with Christine and Lois Anderson, Artistic Director at Touchstone Theatre. Join us for a delightful evening around the playwriting process and the Canadian theatre scene.
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Christine Quintana was born in Los Angeles to a Mexican-American father and a Dutch-British-Canadian mother. Christine grew up as a grateful visitor to the unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh people. Christine is an actor, playwright, and co-Artistic Producer of Delinquent Theatre. In these various capacities, she has worked with Tarragon Theatre, the Arts Club Theatre Company, Bard on the Beach, The Cultch, Neworld Theatre, Electric Company Theatre, Rumble Theatre, Boca Del Lupo, Zee Zee Theatre, Caravan Farm Theatre, Ruby Slippers Theatre, Playwrights Theatre Centre, Pi Theatre, Gateway Theatre, Nightswimming Theatre, Belfry Theatre, Stratford Festival, and Young People’s Theatre. Her writing has been translated and performed in Spanish, French, ASL, and German.
Daniela Atiencia is the Artistic Associate at Touchstone Theatre and a Latinx-Canadian theatre artist born and raised in Colombia. She has a BFA in Theatre Performance from SFU’s School for the Contemporary Arts and holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from The University of Essex’s East 15 Acting School. Daniela works as a freelance bilingual director, dramaturg, and deviser. She is currently working on two plays as co-director for Neworld and Green Thumb Theatre. As dramaturg she is collaborating with Tetsuro Shigematsu’s latest commissioned piece for Pacific Theatre and served as Spanish Language Dramaturg for Made in Canada, an agricultural podcast for rice & beans theatre. She is currently based on the Unceded Territories of the Coast Salish peoples (Vancouver, B.C.) and her work recently earned her a finalist spot in the RBC Rising Star Emerging Director award.
Lois Anderson is the Artistic Director of Touchstone Theatre, and an Adjunct Professor at UBC in the Department of Theatre and Film. She won the Jessie Award for Best Direction (Pericles, Bard on the Beach) and the 2019 Critic’s Choice Award for Innovation (Lysistrata). She has worked extensively in Canada and Australia and has been an artistic associate with The National Arts Centre most recently directing You Used to Call Me Marie by Tai Amy Grauman.

Robin Ducharme Launches Real Love Ready
2026-04-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Bolen Books, #111-1644 Hillside Ave., Victoria, BC, V8T 2C5, Canada
Victoria author Robin Ducharme launches Real Love Ready: A Guide to Relational Literacy, a compassionate guide to the knowledge, skills, and daily practices that help us love with greater intention, truth, and heart. In conversation with Monique Gray Smith, Robin will discuss how relational literacy can shape the way we connect in love, friendship, family, work, and self. A meaningful literary event for readers drawn to relationships, personal growth, and conscious living.

Book Launch - Exhumations: Inside the Body of a Petrostate by Joanne Leow
2026-04-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Enabling Arts, 104-343 Railway Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1A4, Canada
Join Simon Fraser University English Professor Joanne Leow at Enabling Arts on April 9th (6:30 PM) for the launch of her new book, “Exhumations: Inside the Body of a Petrostate”.
About the book:
“What unknowable chemical? How slow was this damage, this violence? … How might any of us stay uncontaminated by all that was built around us?”
“Exhumations: In the Body of a Petrostate” oscillates between an unflinching critique of the author’s birth island, Singapore, and a memoir of grief and illness. Seeing our porous bodies as part of a contaminated and compromised system based on extraction, violence, and political repression, the book asks what must be made visible in our current moment. Drawing on her experience as a journalist for state-controlled media, and her current work as a scholar, Leow explores histories of activism, censorship, weapons manufacturing, terraforming, and petroleum refining. In doing so, she traces the networks of power that link Singapore with Canada, Palestine, Israel, England and beyond. Drawing on art, photography, film, and literature, she considers how they exhume truths that cannot otherwise be told.
This launch is supported by Simon Fraser University’s Department of English and the David See-chai Lam Centre, and Alchemy/Knopf.
Professor Leow will be joined by UBC Professors Phanuel Antwi and John Paul (JP) Catungal. (Photo Credits: for Joanne Leow: sweetmoon photography; for Phanuel Antwi: Rachel Topham Photography)
Speaker Bios:
Joanne Leow grew up in Singapore and now lives on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She is Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair of Transnational and Decolonial Digital Humanities at Simon Fraser University. She is the author of the academic monograph, “Counter-Cartographies: Reading Singapore Otherwise” (Liverpool University Press, 2024) and the poetry collection, “Seas Move Away” (Turnstone Press, 2022). Her creative work and research lie at the intersections of the environmental humanities, transnational and diasporic cultural production, global Asia studies, autotheory, and decoloniality.
JP Catungal (he/him) is Assistant Professor in the Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice, and Co-Director of the Centre for Asian Canadian Research and Engagement at the University of British Columbia. A queer, first generation, Filipinx Canadian scholar, JP’s research, teaching and public facing works are in conversation with critical human geography and feminist and queer of colour theories and methods. He is particularly interested in how migrant, racialized and LGBTQ+ communities address their experiences of marginalization in the fields of sexual health, education and social services. He has served as co-edit of the book, “Filipinos in Canada: Disturbing Invisibility”, as well as special journal issues for “BC Studies”; “ACME: International Journal of Critical Geographies”; “TOPIA: Canadian Journal of Cultural Studies”; and “Alon: Journal for Filipino American and Diasporic Studies”. He received the Killam Teaching Prize at UBC.
Phanuel Antwi is an artist, an organizer, a curator, and an associate professor of English concerned with race, poetics, movements, intimacy, and struggle. He works with text, dance, film, and photography to intervene in artistic, academic, and public spaces. Dr. Antwi holds a Canada Research Chair in Black Arts and Epistemologies at the University of British Columbia, Canada. His recent book, “On Cuddling: Loved to Death in the Racial Embrace”, is from Pluto Press. He’s currently finishing a manuscript called “Currencies of Blackness: Faithfulness, Cheerfulness and Politeness in Settler Writing”.

Creator Series: Audio Plays with Cee Peal
2026-04-11 13:00 - 15:00 | VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY – CENTRAL LIBRARY
An audio play or drama relies strictly on acoustical elements for its manifestation. There are no visual components involved as it’s rendered strictly with dialogue, sound effects, and music alone to help listeners imagine the characters and the story.
At this fun and playful event, participants are invited to create a live audio play with Cee Peal the 2026 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence.
Have you ever imagined yourself as an actor? If so, then maybe you’d like to use your voice to recite dialogue (practice with our play collection on level 6 at Central Library). Would you like to be more in the background and create noise with sounds effects? Do you know about the Inspiration Lab and its resources? If you are a musician, you may want to experiment with a new instrument. In that case, we want to make sure that you are aware of our Musical Instrument Lending Library. If you’d prefer to sit and watch that is wonderful too as audience members are a huge part of this event as well.
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Cee Peal is a theatre artist from the Nisga’a First Nation of Northern B.C. now working in Vancouver on the traditional, unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-waututh), and sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) peoples. He brings to the library his experience in storytelling, theatre, and image making, drawing from his experience working as an actor, director, writer, dancer, and producer on various productions. With a passion for Indigenous studies and cultural evolution, Cee is also the Indigenous outreach coordinator at The Cultch and the artistic associate at The Carmen Arts Group.
To find out more about Cee’s residency and keep up with his upcoming events visit: vpl.ca/storyteller
