Withdrawn from Word

Showcase: Jamaica 50 Literature Series

Thomas MacDermot, Claude McKay, Una Marson. All of these individuals have been esteemed Jamaican writers to have put pen to paper, and we can now celebrate all the literature that has come from their culture. 2012 will be the declaration of the 50th year of Jamaican independence, and what better way to celebrate their contribution to the world stage of literature than to perform actual works? Jamaica 20’s Art and Literature Committee will be showcasing Jamaican writers Mary Lou Soutar-Hynes, Jennifer Walcott and Quentin “Vercetty” Lindsay to commemorate the words that have been spoken and sung for the past 50 years.

When: April16, 2012; from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Where: Malvern TPL branch; 30 Sewells Road

Turn Your Ear: Keep Toronto Reading: Erin Bow

Probably my favourite series offered by the library, the Keep Toronto Reading series offers yet another great and modest author opening to discuss personal writing. Erin Bow is a full-time poet and young-adult fiction writer, and recipient of the TD Book award. One of her latest pieces of writing, Plain Kate, is a Fantasy novel that draws from old Russian folktales. Attend this discussion to hear about Ms. Bow’s first-hand experiences in the craft that we credit with such fervour.

When: April 17, 2012; from 1:30 pm-2:30 pm
Where: Albert Campbell TPL Branch; 496 Birchmount Road

Words On The Move: Keep Toronto Reading: Saturday Junction Walk

Taking your words to the streets may not be something that many young writers are ready for. However, West Toronto Junction Historical Society president Neil Ross will be doing just this as he will be guiding a walking tour of the area and its own authors. The Junction is a neighbourhood in Toronto located near the junction of four railway lines, also known as the West Toronto Diamond. Neil Ross will also be reading some pieces by some of the great Junction voices, proving that the written word is not always stationary.

When: April 21, 2012; from 3:00 pm-4:30 pm
Where: Annette Street TPL branch; 145 Annette Street