Category Archives: Literacy

Fall into a Reading Event…

Posted on by
Reply

Each Fall is marked by annual events focused on literacy.
First up, the Vancouver Sun’s Raise a Reader campaign is on Wednesday, September 25.
Pick up a newspaper, perhaps sold by a local celebrity, and support literacy improvement in B.C.
Word Vancouver, formally known as Word on the Street, takes place September 25 to 29.
The event still culminates with the Sunday events at Library Square which will include Poetry Slam performances, authors and exhibits.
The Vancouver Writer’s Festival takes place October 22 to 27.
David Sedaris is among the authors scheduled to speak. We have a few of his short story books in the library.
Come on in and check one out!

Author JJ Lee visits Writing 12

Posted on by
Reply

Last week author JJ Lee spent two days with the Writing 12 class, giving his insights into writing.

JJ’s first book, a memoir, The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son and a Suit has been short listed for the Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non Fiction and the Governor General’s Award for Non Fiction.

JJ’s essay ELLE First: You are Beautiful for Elle Magazine won gold for best short feature at the National Magazine Awards.

JJ writes a monthly menswear advice column for the Vancouver Sun and is often heard on CBC. He is currently working on a series about fashion in the James Bond flicks, in honour of the 5oth anniversary.

During his time with the class, JJ  imparted some advice “…drill down to the heart of a story… A story without reflection is not worth reading…” and a few writing tricks as well  “be a ‘was’ killer and find the power word”.

Here is a link to a video of JJ telling a true story of his role in a tram crash in Australia  – worth a watch – enjoy!

We have JJ’s book in the library.

Banned Books – Check one out!

Posted on by
Reply

What do Catcher in the Rye, Brave New World, Animal Farm, To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies have in common? All books these books have been banned in other parts of world but are required reading here in Canada.  100’s of books have been banned for a variety of reasons. Some reasons are depicted above. Click here for a list of Banned and Challenges Classics.  Come in and challenge yourself to read a banned book!

Word on the Street

Posted on by
Reply

Looking for something to do this coming Sunday, September 30?

Head down to the 18th annual Word on the Street National Book and Magazine Festival, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. at Library Square and CBC Plaza.

Word on the Street has grown into a three day event, ending with a jam-packed Sunday full of author readings, exhibits, and performances with literary twists.

In the past I have met Roch Carrier, who autographed my copy of The Hockey Sweater, and watched Baba Brinkman perform The Cantebury Tales in his hip-hop style.

Among the authors this year are W.P. Kinsella, author of Shoeless Joe and past B.C. Teen Choice Stellar Award Nominee John Wilson author of And in the Morning and Four Steps to Death, as well as a performance by a Vancouver Youth Poetry Slam team from the Vancouver Youth Theatre.

Check out the Word of the Street website

for a complete list of authors, performers and exhibits.