On the page: Celebrating Canadian voices

Librarians love celebrating good literature, especially work by Canadians. Poet and essayist Anne Carson won this year’s Nobel Prize in Literature, making her the latest Canadian to receive the honour. The library is trying to buy more of her work to meet demand. While readers wait for a copy of *Autobiography of Red* (https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C2015143), the library is pointing to other Canadian voices worth celebrating. Nov. 4 is “I Read Canadian Day.”

Long-time favourites published new titles in 2026: Michelle Good’s *Eliza Sunshine* (https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C2007248), Emily St. John Mandel’s *Exit Party* (https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1997278), Patrick deWitt’s *Dodge City* (https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C2007244) and Naomi Klein’s *End Times Fascism* (https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C2001648). The library also found new favourites in Rachel Reid’s *Heated Rivalry* (https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1988495), Maria Reva’s *Endling* (https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1963228) and Loghan Paylor’s *The Cure for Drowning* (https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1913828). The writer’s personal favourite Canadian book this year was Calgarian Glenn Dixon’s *The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances* (https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1989762).

Set in the near future, Dixon’s novel follows an AI-enabled robot vacuum inspired by Scout’s story in *To Kill a Mockingbird* as it tries to discover what it means to be human. Published only six months ago, the book feels more timely than ever amid daily advances in AI.

One of the year’s important voices was not in print but came from the community. In January, Len Pierre of the Katzie First Nation gave his first talk at Pitt Meadows Public Library. The library is pleased to welcome him back this month. Pierre is an award-winning entrepreneur, professor, consultant, TEDx speaker, social activist, change agent and sharer of traditional knowledge. He specializes in developing educational programs and services centred on decolonization and reconciliation. He holds a master’s degree in education from Simon Fraser University, focusing on Indigenous curriculum and instructional design, and has led Indigenous education and programs at organizations across colonial Canada. He comes with an open heart and mind and hopes to be received in the same way.

This month, Pierre will present *Children Are Medicine: Teachings of Coast Salish Children*. In the engaging, reflective workshop, he will share Coast Salish teachings, stories and perspectives on children’s role in the well-being of families and communities. Participants will explore Indigenous understandings of collective care and intergenerational relationships, as well as the wisdom children bring to people’s lives.

There are two opportunities to attend, at Maple Ridge Public Library and Pitt Meadows Public Library:

• *Children Are Medicine: Teachings of Coast Salish Children* — Maple Ridge Public Library, Thursday, Nov. 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

• *Children Are Medicine: Teachings of Coast Salish Children* — Pitt Meadows Public Library, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The writer hopes readers have discovered new voices this year through the library or elsewhere. Fraser Valley Regional Library’s Readers Advisers can help at any of its 25 locations or online at https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/my-reading-adviser. For more information about FVRL programs and services, visit www.fvrl.bc.ca (https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/) or contact a local library.

Curtis Acton is a librarian at Pitt Meadows Public Library.