Keep Toronto Reading: Celebrate a Love of Books and Community

If you think reading is only about quiet time spent alone, one month in Toronto may just change your mind.

For one month the Toronto Public Library leads the charge in a series of special events called Keep Toronto Reading. Book discussions, storytelling tours, exhibits, and performances don't just bring literature and literacy to the forefront, they also bring people together.

Held in February in the past, in 2009 Keep Toronto Reading has been scheduled for April.

For the most part, Keep Toronto Reading events are free and don't require registration - just show up! Of course there are exceptions, and for those events you may need to call ahead to reserve a spot or even pay in advance. Those kinds of details are always included on the event listings on the Keep Toronto Reading website. Another way to participate is to read the One Book Community Read book selection for the year, so you can fully enjoy the related events (more below).

As the name suggests, a single book is selected for the community read with the aim to turn all of Toronto into one giant book club. There are discussions and presentations on the chosen novel, along with thematically related events and exhibitions. And if you can't make it out to an event, don't worry - the Toronto Public Library's virtual book club, Book Buzz delves into the community read selection as well.

• One Book 2009 - Loyalty Management by Glen Downie
• One Book 2008 - Consolation by Michael Redhill

Exhibits, performances, readings, and screenings serve to tie literature into everyday living. In 2009:

• Lit City events celebrate Toronto's 175th anniversary with discussions of books about Toronto.
• The Books, Food & Wine series includes Lit Lunches and wine tastings.
• Books, Art & Fashion events explore graphic novels, anime and the history of the high heel.

These are the family-friendly events, often featuring storytelling, presentations by children's authors and entertainers, and hands-on workshops. Many events take place at attractions around Toronto where families can make a day of it.

Along with discussing the One Book selection on Toronto Public Library's virtual book club, Book Buzz, you can also explore Keep Toronto Reading through the KTR blog or the TPL's Facebook fan page (registration required).
• In 2008, Toronto magazine Spacing wrote extensively about Consolation on their website. You can begin at the first One Book entry and click on the category title "One Book: Consolation" at the bottom to read more articles.

While you're at a library branch, don't forget to ask about the Toronto Public Library book bag, available for $3. The Toronto Public Library Foundation will also be holding three book sales in April. Volunteers will be at the TTC's Yonge/Bloor Station on April 6th and April 27th, and at Finch Station on April 20th. All three books sales run from 10am-6pm.
• Learn more about the Toronto Public Library Foundation.

Events run both in the afternoon and evening on any day of the week, although most are scheduled Tuesday to Sunday. To find the events that are right for you, check the detailed listings on the Keep Toronto Reading website.