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Want to know what book releases you might be relaxing with on the deck or dock this summer? The following books won’t hit shelves for several months, but they are worth keeping an eye out for.

When Bridgerton was released on Netflix last Christmas, I don't think any of us were prepared for the sudden obsession with steamy regency romance it inspired in so many fans. Julia Quinn's Bridgeton series has been a historical romance mainstay since the release of The Duke and I in 2000, but never has Quinn been more popular than she is currently.

Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about the rich history and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent that make Canada the amazing country we share. Our diversity is our strength.

Children’s Books

April is National Poetry Month, a movement that encourages folks to center poetry within their daily interactions. Let’s celebrate by reading poetry together or creating your own and sharing it with us!

The Ontario Library Association’s Evergreen Award is best described as the “readers’ choice” of Canadian literary awards. Each year, a list of ten nominees is selected by a committee of librarians and in September library patrons from all across the province can vote on their favourite. The winner will be announced during Ontario Public Library Week in October. Past winners have included A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliot, Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice, and The Last Neanderthal by Clare Cameron.

Among all the pictures and videos of online meetings, I am often drawn to the background, like a peeping tom, trying to read the sideways titles on the plethora of bookshelves. This also happens to me every time I see a character on a television or movie, holding a book or even better, quoting from one. If you haven’t yet, you may be tempted to now “book stalk” when you are binge watching!

Audiobooks are having a moment. Global sales have grown 25-30% per year over the past few years and at the library, we've noticed a similar soaring uptake. As popularity has grown, so has the creativity and quality of audiobook production. If you tried listening to a talking book a few years back and decided it wasn't for you, you might want to take a second look at some of the newer releases.

The mark of a good novel, in my opinion, is characters that are believably rendered. When it comes to historical fiction, where the stories are often populated by real people, it requires tremendous skill and attention to detail to take the research and surface-level accounts of the historical figure and turn them into a seamless and well-rounded character portrayal. Like Netflix's The Crown, the following books all dip into the dramas of the British royal family in the 20th Century.

On March 8th, Canada recognizes International Women’s Day, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, and raising awareness of the work left to be done. 

On March 1, the United Nations recognizes Zero Discrimination Day, promoting equality before the law. The UN encourages citizens to speak out so that everyone has equal opportunity to achieve their dreams. This year the theme coincides with discrimination faced by women and girls in all their diversity.

Children’s Books