Proposal
Writersand Readers
Festival
May 14 to 22, 2004
Submitted by:
Karen Warren
Owner, MarkhamBooks
January 5, 2004
Introduction
This proposaldiscusses plans to organize aWriters and Readers Festivalto be held from May 10 to May 15, 2004.Threebook stores, including Markham Books, will participate in the festival, along with several public libraries, schools, colleges, and non-profit organizations. The purpose of the Writers and Readers Festival is to celebrate our local writers and to encourage an interest in the great works of English and Canadian literature over the past millennium.
The report will cover three issues with regard to the organization of the Writers and Readers Festival:Book Store Information, Festival Events, and Festival Dates.
Book Store Information
Following is information about each of the threebook stores committed to participating in the Writers and Readers Festival.
Markham Books
Founded in 1982 by Karen Markham and Joel Saunders, Markham Books has earned a solid reputation for promoting the development of local writers and poets, for advocating for the value of classic literature, and for working with local schools to champion literacy programs.
The book store can devote approximately 2000 square feet of shelf space to display books related to the Writers and Readers Festival. In addition, Markham Books can provide 1000 square feet of reception and performance areas.
University Bookstore
The University Bookstore on the campus of the University of Ontario has been a fixture in east Toronto since its opening in 1902. The careers of numerous local and national writers have been launched as a result of monthly readings stretching over the entire 20th Century!
One of these writers is newcomer Mary Knoll,who recently received the prestigious Canadian New Writer of the Year award. In the Writers and Readers Festival, University Bookstore plans to showcase the work of gifted young writers chosen from local schools and colleges.
Storybook Lane
Toronto’s oldest independent bookstore can trace its roots back to the mid 1800’s! Several of the giants of Canadian literature have passed through Storybook Lane’s doors, including Stephen Leacock, Gabrielle Roy, and Margaret Laurence.
In the Writers and Readers Festival, Literary Lane will launch an exhibition of its role in promoting Canadian literature over the past 150 years.
Festival Events
Events will be held throughout the weekend, culminating in a Rare Books Auction on Sunday, May 22.
EventLocation
Young Writers AwardsMarkham Books
Lanterns for Literacy ParadeFrom Markham Books to University Bookstore along Bloor Street
Reading Rules Literary ProgramUniversity Bookstore
Rare Book AuctionStorybook Lane
Write-a-thonStorybook Lane
Poetry ReadingsUniversity Bookstore
Canadian Literary ExhibitionMarkham Books
Book DisplaysBooks displayed in storefronts throughout downtown Toronto
Book RaffleMarkham Books
Readings from W.O. MitchellWestTorontoCommunity College
Festival Dates
The Writers and Readers Festivalstarts at 7 pm on Friday, May 15, with the Young Writers Literary Awards hosted by Markham Books. Following the awards ceremony, writers and book lovers can participate in the Lanterns for Literacy parade, which winds through the streets of downtown Toronto from Markham Books to University Bookstore. On Saturday, May 16, all three book stores welcome book lovers to a range of events culminating with the great 24-hour Write-a-thon hosted by Storybook Lane.
The Writers and Readers Festival ends with the Rare Books Auction on Sunday, May22at Storybook Lane.