Partner Spotlight: Read Local BC
Read Local BC is ringing in the holiday season with a new pilot project. Until December 5th, readers can explore three curated Book Boxes that each reflect a different facet of BC’s literary landscape. We spoke with Asna Shaikh, Program Manager at Books BC, about how the project came together, the role of local curators, and the broader mission of supporting BC authors and publishers.
Q&A with Asna Shaikh, Program Manager at Books BC
Can you give us a quick introduction to Read Local BC and the work you do?
Read Local BC is a Books BC project that celebrates the vibrant community of authors, publishers, booksellers, libraries, and readers that make up our province’s literary landscape. Visit our website at ReadLocalBC.ca for themed book lists, author and bookseller interviews, literary events, BC bestseller lists, and other news and resources about the BC book scene. Read Local BC is your gateway to the regional literary world.
Amongst our many offerings is the Read Local BC eBookshelf in partnership with the BC Libraries Co-op, the new ebook collection available to all BC Library patrons via Libby.
How did the idea for the holiday Book Box pilot come about?
The Read Local BC Book Boxes are the brainchild of Kirstin Richter, who worked with Books BC as part of her mid-career master’s in publishing at SFU. The idea of the project is to directly connect readers with BC publishers and authors and make it easy for them to read and buy local.
How did you curate the three boxes, and what makes each of them unique?
We partnered with local independent booksellers to thoughtfully curate these limited edition book boxes.
- Hilary Atleo of Iron Dog Books curated the Indigenous Voices Box, selecting three titles that provide “an exhilarating tour through the breadth of Indigenous creativity.”
- The BC Culinary Box was curated by Mary-Ann Yazedjian of Book Warehouse + Black Bond Books, who selected two cookbooks that demonstrate the personal and playful aspects of cooking by tradition and innovation.
- Kerri Doyle from Books & Shenanigans curated the Early Readers Box, selecting three children’s books with stunning illustrations that will teach kids about local plants and animals, and help them develop a respectful relationship with nature.
You can read more on the curation process in our curators guide to the book boxes.
Why do you think this might be of interest to librarians and library staff?
These three boxes together showcase some of the best BC books this season, catering to a range of reading levels, genres, and interests. No matter their taste, you’re sure to find the perfect book box for the booklovers in your life. Finding some new and exciting local titles to add to your library’s purchasing list is just the cherry on top!
Anything coming up next that you’d like libraries to know about?
Read Local BC-branded promotional materials such as posters and shelf talkers are available! You can request downloadable files that you can custom print to your liking here.
Thank you!