The Moose Jaw Public Library played host to local authors Melanie McFarlane and Robert Currie for the first I Read Canadian Day celebration, and head librarian Gwen Fisher was pleased to see Moose Jaw out to take part.
McFarlane and Currie read a few of their own works for the crowd gathered, before stepping back to mingle and talk Canadian literature.
“I’m really happy to be a part of I Read Canadian Day because I write Canadian,” laughed Currie before his reading for the crowd.
The morning readings were Moose Jaw’s way of celebrating the national day dedicated to spotlighting Canadian writers. Originally the idea of author Eric Walters, I Read Canadian Day will take place on Feb. 19 across the country every year, to encourage people to look for Canadian authors to add to their reading lists.
“This is an opportunity to rediscover Canadian authors, support Canadian authors, hear Canadian voices, which is really important to our cultural fabric and the well-being of our communities,” said Fisher.
Libraries and schools across the country signed up to host an event for the new celebration, with over 20 participants in Saskatchewan.
The day conveniently fell on the winter break for the school divisions here in Moose Jaw, which felt like a lucky happenstance for organizers.
“It's really cool that we got people out, and also I think that it speaks to the fact that Moose Jaw is aware of our local talent, that we didn't just get kids out,” said Keri Hennenfent, with the Palliser Regional Library. “Bob and Melanie drew all kinds of people out.”
The coffee and treats following the readings were enjoyable, but so was the many books the MJPL had set out to show just how many great Canadian authors are hiding within the library’s stacks.
The live readings from Currie and McFarlane were also an opportunity to spotlight some of the talent from here in Moose Jaw, which organizers were excited about as well.
“It's so enjoyable and so magical to hear poetry being read about our province, about growing up here, so I think that we're happy. We're just stoked about Canadian authors,” said Fisher.
The MJPL also challenged the community to take a selfie featuring a Canadian book they’re enjoying and share in on social media today, using the hashtag #IReadCanadian, as the national initiative was for everyone to take 15 minutes today to read something Canadian — especially kids.
Fisher also thinks the initiative is important not only for readers but also for writers.
“If you are a writer, this is also kind of encouraging because people are paying attention to what you're writing, so keep writing because you're part of a community and your voice matters,” said Fisher. “There's a spot for you.”
