Canadian authors and illustrators selected for largest recreational reading program                                                                                                                                                            NEWS RELEASE

TORONTO, ON (October 15, 2019) – Ontario Library Association (OLA) is excited to announce the English and French nominees for the 2020 Forest of Reading Awards, the largest recreational reading award program in Canada.

SEE THE 2020 FOREST OF READING NOMINATED LISTS: accessola.com/forest 

“This reading program really comes alive because the young readers participate at school or public libraries,” says Shelagh Paterson, Executive Director, Ontario Library Association. “At the library, kids participate in discussions and activities– and ultimately will decide which book they will vote on for their top pick!”

The Forest of Reading consists of ten programs distinguished by age group and reading level, each with ten nominated titles. The English school-aged programs are Blue Spruce, Silver Birch (Express and Fiction), Yellow Cedar, Red Maple, and White Pine. French literature is celebrated through the Peuplier, Mélèze, and Tamarac programs. The adult program, Evergreen, celebrates excellence in Canadian literature. Over 270,000 readers participate in the program through schools, public libraries, literacy centres, and at home.

Committees of library practitioners select the nominated titles and those who participate in the Forest will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite books in April. The winners of the 2020 program will be announced live at the Forest of Reading Festival on May 12, 13, and 14, 2020

All school-aged nominated titles will be available in alternate formats through Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and Alternative Education Resources of Ontario (AERO).

Follow the conversation #IReadCanadian and #ForestofReading. 

The Ontario Library Association (OLA) is a centre of excellence for the library and information sector, with 5,000 members who work in public, school, academic and special libraries. OLA enables members to advocate for the right of individuals to have free and equitable access to information. Our members research, develop and participate in educational programs designed to provide exemplary library services. Signature OLA events include the annual Super Conference and the Forest of Reading^® program.

Tinlids Inc. is the official wholesaler for the 2020 Forest of Reading program.

Media and program contacts:
Meredith Tutching
Director, Forest of Reading
Ontario Library Association
416.363.3388 x222

Lauren Hummel
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ontario Library Association
416.363.3388 x227