A new nationwide initiative that celebrates the richness, diversity, and breadth of Canadian literature, was announced in fall 2019. The I Read Canadian Day, taking place for the first time ever on February 19, 2020, will empower families, schools, libraries, bookstores, and organizations to host activities and events by reading Canadian books for just fifteen minutes. “The purpose of this event,” says Rose Vespa, Executive Director of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, “is to raise awareness of Canadian books and to celebrate the excellence of Canadian literature.” This initiative was created as a collaboration between the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC); children’s author Eric Walters; Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP); and the Ontario Library Association (OLA.). “We want people to buy, borrow, read and talk about Canadian books – whether they are in English, French, or Indigenous languages, and can be in print, e-format and accessible formats,” says Sharon Jennings, president of CANSCAIP. “The target venues in the inaugural year are schools, public libraries, and bookstores. We hope parents, caretakers, educators, and others will join in!” The social media campaign, using the hashtag #IReadCanadian, and the website, Ireadcanadian.com/day will launch October 28 on Canadian School Library Day. Registration will open December 1. Key activities will take place February 14 to February 21 with February 19 as the official I Read Canadian Day. “We want the entire nation to be excited about reading Canadian books,” says Meredith Tutching of the OLA. “We encourage everyone to take some time out of their day to read for fun and share their experiences.” For more information, please contact: Karen McMullin, National Publicist Nimbus Publishing 647-461-3824; kmcmullin@nimbus.ca