Beth Everest Book Signing

Join author Beth Everest signing copies of Some of the Facts, Jasper: when tales were told. 

Some of the Facts invites readers into the fictional lives of the young community of Jasper. The tales, set in the 50s, are very loosely based on what some of the old timers would tell, stories that continue to change marvelously with each telling. Beth Everest, the author, holds these story-tellers in high regard. Her father, who has spent more than 70 years in Jasper, is the inspiration for this project. He, like so many others, lost his home in the July 2024 wildfire. This book is dedicated to him, and to the story-tellers, and those who continue to fight for the integrity and safety of this community.

All proceeds from book sales with be donated to a Jasper relief fund.

Jesse Ecklerin, Nyla Matuk, Cory Lavender, and Ellen Chang-Richardson Poetry Reading

Four fantastics poets join together for what is sure to be a fascinating and moving evening of readings. Hosted by local poet Bardia Sinaee. Recent releases:

-Jesse Eckerlin, Almost Nothing (Anstruther Press)

-Cory Lavender, Come One Thing Another (Gaspereau Press)

-Nyla Matuk, Stranger (Vehicule Press)

-Ellen Chang-Richardson, Blood Belies (Wolsak and Wynn)

CANCELLED - Ruby Barrett launches The Match Faker

Join local romance writer Ruby Barrett for a launch party alongside host Maggie North! The Match Faker has Canadiana, classic opposites attract dynamics, mistaken identities, road trips, and more—come along for the ride!

Hòt'A! Enough! with Georges Erasmus

We are delighted to welcome Dene leader Georges Erasmus to the store for a reading, conversation, and book signing to celebrate the launch of Hòt'A! Enough! Georges Erasmus's Fifty Year Battle for Indigenous Rights (Dundurn Press). Join us and learn about his actions as a radical Native rights crusader widely regarded as one of the most important Indigenous leaders of the past fifty years.

Allan Briesmaster and A. Garnett Weiss Poetry Reading

Allan Briesmaster and A. Garnett Weiss come to the store to launch their poetry collections. Join us for a lovely evening of readings and conversations with these two poets.

In Life, after life (Aeolus Press), A. Garnett Weiss turns words and phrases found in obituaries into over 60 five-line, singular poems about life.

In Later Findings (Ekstasis Editions), Allan Briesmaster continues his perennial quest for what might still be trusted and believed, as we contend with societal dysfunction, accelerating technological change and deepening environmental crisis.

Thursday Night at VERSefest

VERSefest kicks off on Thursday night at Red Bird with Lunenburg's Alice Burdick, Ottawa's own Manahil Bandukwala, Cobourg's Stuart Ross, French Ottawa Poet Laureate Véronique Sylvain. Hosted by Stephen Brockwell. Don't miss the start of what is sure to be a fantastic three days of poetry!

Friday Night at VERSefest

The fabulous poetry continues at Arts Court Studio where VERSefest welcomes Chuqiao Yang, Stephen Collis, and Faith Paré to read. Hosted by Ben Ladouceur. Don't miss this event!

Barbara Fradkin Book Signing

Local mystery author Barbara Fradkin will be in store signing copies of Wreck Bay. Stop by and say hello!

In Wreck Bay, Amanda Doucette pursues the connection between a reclusive artist and the wealthy surfer who turned up dead on a remote island in Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim in a wilderness-infused mystery perfect for fans of Jane Harper or Louise Penny.

Plan 99 at VERSefest

VERSefest wraps in incredible fashion at The Manx with readings from none other than Armand Garnett Ruffo, 2024 Governor General for Poetry Winner Chimwemwe Undi, and Erik Linder. Hosted by Ottawa English Poet Laureate David O'Meara.