The TNRD Library System is hosting an event with writer and performer Michael V. Smith. He will visit the Kamloops Library Jan. 14 and the Chase Library on Jan. 21. Both readings begin at 2 p.m.
Vancouver Magazine has called Smith one of its city’s 25 most influential gay citizens and Loop Magazine named him one of Vancouver’s Most Dangerous People.
His work has been nominated for the Amazon/Books in Canada First Novel Award and has won the inaugural Dayne Ogilvie Award for Emerging Gay Writers. He has also won a Western Magazine Award for Fiction, scooped two short film prize categories at Toronto’s Inside Out festival, and was nominated for the Journey Prize.
This reading is sponsored by the Canada Council for the Arts. This event is free but seating is limited. To register, contact the library at 250-372-5145 or questions@tnrd.ca.
In other library news, the TNRD Library System has joined the Read for 15 challenge. To celebrate Family Literacy Day, libraries across Canada are reaching out to encourage everyone to read for 15 minutes on Jan. 27. The goal is to promote the importance of literacy in the community, and to win the coveted title of most “readerly” community in Canada!
Literacy skills are put into practice daily — reading grocery lists, Facebook newsfeeds, newspapers, traffic signs, maps, and even restaurant menus. Flexing your reading muscles has been proven to reduce stress, and improve memory, focus and concentration. It’s fun, too!
The library aims to create enthusiasm for reading in people of all ages and we encourage friendly competition between communities, businesses, or public services to help spread the word about the challenge and the importance of reading.
Participation is easy. After you finish reading your chosen material for 15 minutes, let the library know. You can use the hashtag #Readfor15TNRD on Facebook or Twitter, or email the library at questions@tnrd.ca. You can also stop by your local TNRD library for a Great Read In program. All participants will be entered in a draw for a gift card from Chapters.