FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Regina (April 30, 2012) – The 19th Saskatchewan Book Awards were held on Saturday, April 28th, 2012 at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina. Thirteen awards were given out celebrating excellence in writing and publishing in Saskatchewan, including one for children’s literature. Adele Dueck took home the honours for her novel Racing Home (Coteau Books).

Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Minister Bill Hutchinson, MP Ralph Goodale and MLA John Nilson were among over 300 guests who enjoyed the SBA Gala 2012. Sheila Coles of CBC Radio’s The Morning Edition was the M.C. for the evening. This year’s guest speaker was Mark Abley, an award-winning author, journalist and editor who grew up in Saskatoon. Mark invoked great interest with his topic: “Stop tweeting – Start reading”.

As the only provincially-focused book awards program in Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Book Awards presents over a dozen awards yearly to celebrate the achievements Saskatchewan authors and publishers. The SBA recognizes and celebrates excellence and diversity in Saskatchewan writing and publishing. It is a principal ambassador for the province’s literary community, promoting greater awareness of Saskatchewan books, authors and publishers through its awards, public reading events and other promotional initiatives.

For more information on the Saskatchewan Book Awards, go to www.bookawards.sk.ca. For interviews and other media relations contact 306-569-1585 or info@bookawards.sk.ca.