The Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) boasts its largest emerging author collection to date for 2023.
The annual collection celebrating local storytellers since 2015 includes more than 170 local authors and illustrators with more than 260 books.
“The Emerging Local Authors Collection supports and celebrates Greater Victoria’s rich writing culture. This initiative has become integral to our library’s commitment to supporting local talent and promoting books that might not be available through traditional channels. We are thrilled to provide a platform for these remarkable authors and their exceptional works,” GVPL CEO Maureen Sawa said in a statement.
Over the years it has featured more than 900 authors and 1,300 books – most self-published.
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“Through the Emerging Local Authors Collection, we aim to honour and highlight the creativity and talent of our community’s writers and artists. This collection, our eighth, not only celebrates our local authors but also contributes to the enrichment of our community. We are delighted to showcase these books prominently at the library, allowing readers to discover and enjoy the literary gems from our region,” board chair Andrew Appleton added.
Sever Bronny, known for his captivating fantasy novels for young adults, has featured books in all eight collections. Edeana Malcolm, an author of historical novels, has been featured in seven collections. Her latest work, Tea at the Empress, is a gripping tale set in early 20th century Victoria, following a suffragist who works at the Daily Colonist.
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The 2023 collection showcases the works of talented young authors and illustrators, including a selection of short fiction anthologies written by students aged 9 to 18 from Story Studio’s virtual writing program, supported by the GVPL.
Returning for another year, Jean Paetkau presents two titles from the beloved Snufflewort series, illustrated by her Coast Salish children, Haley and Jacob. Eleven-year-old author A. J. Taylor impresses with The Crazy Brothers Trilogy, while Indigenous author Ren Louie debuts with Drum from the Heart, a picture book that celebrates Indigenous culture.
Each fall, GVPL invites authors to apply to take part in its annual Emerging Local Authors Collection. To be eligible to participate, authors or illustrators must live on southern Vancouver Island.
Print books from the 2023 Emerging Local Authors Collection are currently displayed at the library’s Central Branch and can be placed on hold for pickup at any of the 12 branch locations across 10 municipalities. Ebooks are made available through BiblioBoard.
For more information about the 2023 Emerging Local Authors Collection, visit gvpl.ca.
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