Read Local BC

The 41st Annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes Gala
2025-09-21 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | University Golf Club, University Golf Club 5185 University Blvd., Vancouver, BC, V6T 1X5, Canada
The 41st Annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes Gala will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the University Golf Club in Vancouver, British Columbia. Your ticket includes entry to our reception, awards ceremony, snacks, canapes, and a glass of bubbly. The venue is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available onsite.
For 2025 we’re changing the style of our Gala to offer a standing reception (a mix and mingle). Snacks and canapes will include a mix of hot and cold items with vegan and gluten-free offerings. There will be limited seating available at the event. Please let us know if access to seating is required.
Tickets for members and non-members ares $85. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, September 12th.

An Evening with Holly Howe, author of Mouthwatering Sauerkraut
2025-09-23 18:00 - 20:30 | Vinca’s Kitchen Shop, 5042 48 Ave, Delta, British Columbia, V4K1V8, Canada
Join us at Vinca’s Kitchen for a special evening with Chef Holly Howe to celebrate the release of her new cookbook Mouthwatering Sauerkraut: Fermentation Made Easy!
Tickets are $40.00 plus tax and come with a copy of the new cookbook. There are only 35 tickets available.
Doors open at 6:00 pm and the event will start at 6:30 pm. Chef Holly will be demonstrating a couple of recipes, providing samples, and answering all your questions!
PLEASE NOTE – to purchase a ticket for this event online you MUST have your shopping location set as the Ladner store OR the Langley Warehouse location.

Author Talk: Daniel Kalla
2025-09-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC, V6Y 1R8, Canada
Join Richmond Public Library as they welcome back international best-selling author Daniel Kalla as he reads and answers your questions about his newly released novel, The Deepest Fake.

Booksmack! An evening of book reviews and laughter
2025-09-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Okanagan Regional Library, Vernon branch, 2800 30th Avenue, Vernon, BC, V1T 8S3, Canada
Do you love to read? Our highly specialized team of wild and nerdy bibliophiles go head to head as they race against the clock to speed review their favourite books, podcasts and more! Booklists and laughter are included. Drop-in and free of charge.

An Evening with Richard Van Camp
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC, V6Y 1R8, Canada
Join us for an amazing storytelling event with best selling author, Richard Van Camp. He will share his life’s work of reclaiming stories, family and community medicines and interviews with Elders from his community of Fort Smith, NWT. You’ll hear miracle stories about how he and others whose parents went to residential schools have spent their adults lives reclaiming what was almost lost.
Richard Van Camp is a proud member of the Dogrib Nation from Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. He is an internationally renowned storyteller and best-selling author, and the recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories. He is the author of five collections of short stories, six baby books, three children’s books, five comics and much more.

Wine Country Writers' Festival
2025-09-26 08:00 - 2025-09-27 17:00 | Penticton, BC, Canada
A creative gathering for emerging and established writers who want to grow their craft, build genuine community, and experience the magic of storytelling in one of Canada’s most scenic regions

An Evening with Eve Lazarus
2025-10-01 18:30 - 19:30
Join us for an evening with Eve Lazarus, author and true crime podcast host (Cold Case Canada) as she gives a talk, a reading, a Q&A and a book signing for her new book, Beneath Dark Waters: The Legacy of the Empress of Ireland Shipwreck.

Indigo Park Royal: Book Signing
2025-10-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Chapters Indigo – Park Royal, 900 Park Royal S., West Vancouver, BC, V7T 1A1, Canada
Visit Indigo Park Royal between 1PM – 3PM on October 11th to meet local author Emma Sloan and claim your free gift with purchase of your signed copy of “Opheliac.”

Victoria Festival of Authors
2025-10-15 - 2025-10-20 | Victoria, BC
The Victoria Festival of Authors celebrates its 10th anniversary with 40 luminary guests including 2025 Booker Prize nominee Maria Reva, Booker Prize nominee Madeleine Thien, Emma Donoghue, Brian Thomas Issac, Conor Kerr (all Scotiabank Giller Prize nominees), and a wide range of talented and award-winning Canadian and local authors including Joseph Dandurand, Katherena Vermette, Sheri-D Wilson and more. This year’s festival continues its hybrid format with in-person programming, livestream viewing for some events, and virtual readings and panels with authors from around Canada. Join us and celebrate 10 years of literary arts from Oct. 15 to 19, 2025.

Love At First Page
2025-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 6B1, Canada
Writing a book is a labour of love that often involves working through complex relationships right on the page. Join four Canadian novelists writing at the intersections of romance, comedy and mental health as they discuss creating lovably flawed characters, share the process of writing second chance storylines and offer their tried-and-true writing tips to emerging authors. Author meet-and-greet with book signings to follow after the event, courtesy of bookseller Perfect Match Bookshop.
Featuring Natalie Sue, bestselling author of I Hope This Finds You Well & 2025 Leacock Medal winner; Noreen Nanja, debut author of breakout hit The Summers Between Us; Leanne Toshiko Simpson, 2025 Kobo Prize in Romance winner for Never Been Better; and Jacqueline Firkins, author of 5 novels – including Marlowe Banks, Redesigned – and UBC professor & costume designer. A selection of Jacqueline’s romance cover dresses will be on display at VPL during this event.
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Natalie Sue is the bestselling and award-winning author of I Hope This Finds You Well. She is a Canadian author of Iranian and British descent. She spent her formative years moving around western Canada with a brief stint in Scotland, where she discovered her passion for storytelling as a means of connection and reading as a means of comfort. When she’s not writing, she enjoys bingeing great and terrible TV, attempting pottery, and procuring houseplants. She lives in Calgary with her husband, daughter, and dog.
Noreen Nanja is the author of contemporary romance debut The Summers Between Us. As a second-generation Canadian, Noreen’s writing explores themes of identity, race and belonging, wrapped in stories of romantic and familial love. Born and initially raised in small-town British Columbia, she then spent her formative years in Edmonton before moving to Montreal to pursue her Bachelors in Psychology and English Literature at McGill University and then the University of Calgary to complete her medical degree. She currently lives with her partner and her small dog in Toronto, where she enjoys working in healthcare, drinking vast amounts of strawberry matcha and exploring local bookshops.
Leanne Toshiko Simpson is an award-winning writer, educator and mental health advocate from Toronto. She writes joyful, messy, laugh-out-loud stories about living with mental illness and the moments of hope that help us get out of bed day after day. Leanne’s mental health rom-com Never Been Better won the 2025 Rakuten Kobo Prize for Romance. She teaches creative writing at the University of Toronto and spends her free time designing mental health greeting cards for Pebbles and Company.
Jacqueline Firkins is a writer (Marlowe Banks, Redesigned), costume designer, and lover of beautiful things. She’s on the full-time faculty in the Department of Theatre & Film at the University of British Columbia where she teaches character design, world building, and period costume construction courses. When not obsessing about where to put the buttons or the commas, she can be found running by the ocean, eating excessive amounts of gluten, listening to earnest love songs, and pretending her dog understands every word she says.
***Jacqueline’s dresses (#booksasfashion) will be on display during the event and afterwards (until October 20th) through the windows of the Yosef Wosk Poet’s Corner on level 9 where the rooftop garden is.
In partnership with Perfect Match Bookshop (Vancouver’s first romance bookstore).

Vancouver Writers Fest
2025-10-20 - 2025-10-27 | various around Vancouver, Vancouver, BC, Canada
They can delight, inspire, provoke, comfort and unite—as do the authors, journalists and poets who wield them. At the Vancouver Writers Fest we encourage readers of all ages to explore the power of storytelling, and books, through our dozens of events with local and international writers.
Our activities include both year-round programming and our flagship, annual literary Festival: one of the largest and most prestigious in North America. Tens of thousands of readers visit the cultural hub of Granville Island and venues around Vancouver to connect with local and international authors during this week-long event.
Throughout the year we offer free and paid events with established and emerging authors, in addition to youth education opportunities.

On Edge Reading Series Fall 2025 presents: Hajer Mirwali
2025-10-23 17:30 - 18:30 | 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:
Hajer Mirwali
Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 5:30PM PT
ONLINE ONLY: https://emilycarru.zoom.us/meeting/register/f7TPNA51RA-7ShKqfoyWnw
Hajer Mirwal is a Palestinian and Iraqi writer living in Toronto. Her first book, Revolutions (Talonbooks, 2025), is a collection of poetry on shame, pleasure, and Arab Muslim girlhood. Two poems from the collection also appear in an anthology of Palestinian poetry called Heaven Looks Like Us (Haymarket Books, 2025). Hajer’s work has been published in The Ex-Puritan, Brick Magazine, Room Magazine, and Joyland. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph
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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.
On Edge on social media: https://www.instagram.com/onedgereadingseries/
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.

Alcuin Wayzgoose: Letterpress Print & Book Arts Fair
2025-10-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 6B1, Canada
The Alcuin Society and Vancouver Public Library are pleased to present the biennial Alcuin Wayzgoose, the largest letterpress print and book arts fair in Vancouver!
Come and meet more than 27 many skilled book artists, printmakers, letterpress printers, papermakers and paper marblers and watch various book arts demonstrations throughout the day.
The exhibitors this year are:
Barbarian Press
Brigitte Potter-Mael
Canadian Typography Archives
Charles Van Sandwyk Fine Art Studio
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Greenboathouse Press
Hannah McKendry
Ibis Trading Inc
Introvert Press
Jean Kares
Jocelyn Barrable-Segal
Keith Valentine
Mariko Ando
Markus Fahrner
Mother Tongue Press
Murray Schellenberg
New Leaf Editions
Penny Parry
Phyllis Greenwood
Renée Alexander
Seawrack Press
Sim Publishing
Stefani Peter
Taaye Wong
The Haunted Bookshop
UBC Fine Arts Department of Art History
Westcoast Calligraphy Society
No registration is required

Whistler Writers Festival
2025-10-30 - 2025-11-03 | various in Whistler, BC
In 2025, the Whistler Writers Festival is pleased to gather in-person to welcome readers and writers to our mountain town. We continue to offer a select number of online events. Please review the program and website carefully to determine which options are available for each event.
We look forward to sharing stories again this year.

Poetry in Translation
2025-10-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 6B1, Canada
Join us for an evening lost in translation with three talented poets as they discuss the often overlooked art of translation. How do you carry a book from one language to another, line by line, with precision? UBC Associate Professor Bronwen Tate will moderate the discussion with poets Rhea Tregebov, Rahat Kurd and Deborah Woodard.
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Bronwen Tate is the author of the poetry collection The Silk the Moths Ignore. She is an Associate Professor of Teaching and Undergraduate Chair in the UBC School of Creative Writing, where she offers courses in poetry, creative writing pedagogy, and literary translation. A Practical Guide to Teaching Creative Writing: Supporting Inclusive Pedagogy, a collaboration with colleague John Vigna, is forthcoming with Bloomsbury Academic in Spring 2026.
Rhea Tregebov is the author of eight collections of poetry, most recently, Talking to Strangers. She edited and co-translated the anthology Arguing With the Storm: Stories by Yiddish Women Writers and taught workshops in literary translation at UBC. In 2019 she taught a graduate course for the English Department at Tsuda University in Tokyo entitled “Translating the Self: Issues in Literary Translation.” Tregebov has translated poetry from French and Spanish and has worked in tandem translation from Japanese, Catalan and Finnish, languages she does not know. She is now an Associate Professor Emerita at the School of Creative Writing at UBC.
Rahat Kurd is a poet, writer, and editor of Kashmiri and north Indian family origin, born in Canada and based in Vancouver. The Book Of Z, published by Talonbooks this fall 2025, is her second full-length work of poetry. Her previous literary titles with Talonbooks are The City That Is Leaving Forever: Kashmiri Letters, (2021), co-authored with Kashmiri poet Sumayya Syed, and Cosmophilia, (poems, 2015). In her work as a beginner translator of contemporary Urdu poetry, Rahat Kurd is particularly interested in the ways lyrical resonances from the classical ghazal tradition have influenced modern and feminist Urdu-language poetic sensibilities.
Deborah Woodard studied with Charles Simic at the University of New Hampshire and has a PhD from the University of Washington. Her books include Borrowed Tales (Stockport Flats) and No Finis: Triangle Testimonies, 1911 (Ravenna Press). With Roberta Antognini, she has translated the poetry of Amelia Rosselli in Hospital Series (New Directions), Obtuse Diary, The Dragonfly, and Notes Scattered and Lost (Entre Rios Books). Their translation of Rosselli’s Document has just been published by World Poetry Books. Deborah teaches at Hugo House in Seattle, Washington and co-curates the reading series Margin Shift.
*This event is curated by writer, Jen Currin (Disembark and Trinity Street amongst many others).

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 | 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.
