The Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia Launches Read Local BC Website

The Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia (ABPBC) announces the launch of readlocalbc.ca, a new website that focuses on the vibrant community of authors, publishers, bookstores, and libraries that make up the province’s literary landscape.

In 2015, the ABPBC began the Read Local BC campaign as a series of annual events and promotions in communities around the province to raise awareness of the diversity of writing being published in our province. The readlocalbc.ca website extends the reach of this campaign to an online hub, including author interviews, excerpts from newly released titles, event listings for readings and launches around the province, and other news about BC books. The site’s content reflects the wide variety of BC’s publishers, including fiction, non-fiction, regional interest, literary, children’s, scholarly, and educational titles. ead Local BC will engage with readers year-round throughout the province through the website, a newsletter, and social media, complemented by seasonal events.

Heidi Waechtler, executive director of the ABPBC, said, “The Read Local BC campaign encourages readers to ‘be book aware’ – that is, to participate in their local literary scene by attending events, learning more about the books being produced right in their province, and supporting the independent publishers and booksellers, libraries, and cultural institutions that offer an outlet to local voices and stories that contribute to our sense of identity and place in the world."

She continued, “Given the evolving media landscape and in light of current discussions around Canadian literary culture, we also recognize an increasing need to amplify underrepresented voices. We envision readlocalbc.ca as an accessible and welcoming online space to engage in discussion, keep up with news and events, and celebrate the successes of local culture-makers."

British Columbia has the second largest regional publishing industry in the country, with publishers operating in all regions of the province, from Fernie to Smithers and from the Okanagan Valley to Vancouver Island.

Visit Read Local BC and follow the #BCBooks discussion on social media:

Twitter: @ReadLocalBC

Facebook: facebook.com/ReadLocalBC

Media inquiries:

Heidi Waechtler, Executive Director, Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia

heidi@books.bc.ca | Phone: 604-684-0228