Tickets to the biggest book debate in the Georgian Bay region are now available in limited quantities. Free for all attendees, Georgian Bay Reads brings together five local libraries, recognizable community members and Canadian books in a battle that sees the best book win.
“Now it its fourth year, Georgian Bay Reads is the only event of its kind in Ontario. The event offers a unique opportunity for rural libraries to work together to present an entertaining evening for book lovers. The event also helps to strengthen the relationship between participating libraries by sharing ideas on library services,” says Christine Palka, coordinator of public relations for Collingwood Public Library, and a member of the Georgian Bay Reads Committee.
Georgian Bay Reads takes place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the Oakview Community Centre in Wasaga Beach. The five participating libraries include Blue Mountains, Clearview, Collingwood, Meaford and Wasaga Beach.
At the event each library is represented by a defender and a work of Canadian fiction. All library representatives defend their chosen books in hopes of convincing fellow defenders and audience members of their books’ merit. Along with bragging rights, the winning defender brings home a trophy for his or her library.
This year, Collingwood Public Library is represented by Ashley Kulchycki, the Library’s supervisor of children and teen services. She’s defending Alan Bradley’s The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, a mystery novel featuring an 11-year-old heroine with a passion for poison.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is the first in a series of four books detailing the adventures of Flavia de Luce, a precocious child with apt for finding herself in tricky situations. Set in the summer of 1950 in rural Britain, readers follow de Luce’s adventures playing detective after a body turns up in her family’s garden. Featuring a cast of colourful characters, de Luce traces various clues throughout her village in an attempt to find the killer and clear her family’s name.
“I’m excited to be a part of this year’s Georgian Bay Reads and to be representing the Library and the Town of Collingwood. As a librarian, I am proud to be participating in an event that supports reading and exploring new authors,” says Kulchycki. “When asked to participate in selecting a book I immediately knew my choice. I’ve been a fan of Bradley’s work for years. It’s impossible not to love the character of Flavia, a strong, smart and witty heroine who has brought life to Canadian literature.”
To reserve tickets, Collingwood Public Library members may contact the Public Services Desk or call 705-445-1571. Tickets must be reserved in advance and are not available at the door. Reserve early as limited tickets are available.
Visit http://georgianbayreads.ca for a list of defenders, book choices, defender bios, book synopsis and past titles.