Events Guide: Keep Toronto Reading April 1 – 11

April is Keep Toronto Reading month at the Toronto Public Library and they have tons of events going on all month around the city. Here are a few of the events happening in the first two weeks of April. As  well, Spacing Toronto will be participating in the month-long One Book activities, reading Glenn Downie’s collection of poetry Loyalty Management, partially set in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. Stay tuned for more on this soon.

What: Emerging Poets
When: April 1, 1:30 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street

Meet tomorrow’s literary stars, as finalists for the RBC Bronwen Wallace Prize for Emerging Writers read from their work. Featuring Michael Johnson, Jeff Latosik and Emily McGiffin.

– – – – – – – – – –

What: Lit City: Celebrity Picks!
When: April 1, 7 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street

Actor Cynthia Dale, Metro Morning’s Jill Dempsey and writer ShyamSelvadurai read from their favourite books about Toronto.

Cynthia Dale reads from In The Skin of a Lion by Michael Ondaatje.  Jill Dempsey reads from Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels. Shyam Selvadurai reads from What We All Long For by Dionne Brand.

– – – – – – – – – –

What: Animate This!
When: April 4 &5, 12:30 pm & 2 pm
Where: National Film Board, 150 John Street

Animation workshops for kids ages 3 to 13. Working from Manjusha Pawagi’s wonderful story The Girl Who Hated Book, learn the basics of stop-motion clay animation and watch your own version of the story come to life on the big screen.

Pre-register by calling: 416-973-3012

– – – – – – – – – –

What: Keep Kids Reading with Patty Sullivan
When: April 4, 2 pm
Where: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street

Join Patty Sullivan, popular host of Kids’ CBC, for a lively program. Enjoy stories, entertainment, music and more. For kids ages 6 and under.

– – – – – – – – – –

What: Lit City: Weston
When: April 6, 2 pm
Where: Richview Branch, 1806 Islington Avenue

Antanas Sileika reads from Buying on Time, a funny poignant look at growing up in the suburbs in the 50s and 60s.

– – – – – – – – – –

What: Counting Yourself In
When: April 9, 1:30 pm
Where: Bendale Branch, 1515 Danforth Road

Think you know Scarborough? Take another look and bring out your inner story through interactive storytelling with writer Richard Scrimger.

– – – – – – – – – –

What: Casa Loma stories
When: April 11, 2 pm
Where: Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace)

Spend a special afternoon at Casa Loma with beloved poet Dennis Lee. Event is free with admission to Casa Loma.
– – – – – – – – – –

What: Blue Spruce and Silver Birch Award Nominees
When: April 11, 2 pm
Where: North York Central Library, Auditorium, 5120 Yonge Street

Meet nominees of this year’s Blue Spruce and Silver Birch book awards, where kids do the voting. Featuring Cary Fagan, Shane Peacock and Jan Thornhill.

– – – – – – – – – –

For information on these events and more, visit www.keeptorontoreading.ca

photo by christopher.woo