Canada Council Grant Supports Yukon Literary Reading Program 

In 2019 and 2020, Yukon Public Libraries flew in authors Lawrence Hill, Richard Van Camp, Darrel McLeod, and Yasuko Thanh to deliver free readings to the community.

Fostering an appreciation of Canadian writers and their craft

To foster an appreciation of Canadian writers in the territory, Yukon Public Libraries organized a series of 19 literary readings divided into four tours. Yukon residents benefitted from the reading tours by gaining exposure to four high-profile, published authors, which developed their awareness of and appreciation for Canadian writing and literature. Attendees had several opportunities to meet the writers in person.

Bringing a fresh perspective and taking steps toward reconciliation

The visiting artists brought with them fresh and objective perspectives that are vital to the development of Yukon writers, readers and interested audiences. The reading program also demonstrated the importance of libraries as cultural and educational focal points in the community. Part of this project’s focus was to take steps toward reconciliation and provide an opportunity to explore its meaning in the Yukon community.