Our free program for young readers is open to all schools, parents, and students in Ottawa. During the Spring and Fall Editions, and throughout the school year, we provide readings by acclaimed authors of fiction and non-fiction, poets and illustrators, for school groups and classes around the region, from grades 1 to 12.

Events are taking place in participating schools and at Library and Archives Canada. To bring an author to a school, we need to arrange for an audience of 100 or more (fewer for grades K-3.) Schools will be booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Space in events at Library and Archives is limited: please call to confirm your attendance and reserve your seats.

Parents are welcome to bring their children to any of these events, as are any youth organizations, clubs, etc. Call for complimentary tickets.

For the full schedule of our Fall Events, click here. Study Guides for the books will be available very soon.

If you want to book an author for your school, or space in a reading at the Archives, please call Kate Hunt at
613-562-1243 or email kate@writersfestival.org.

Authors participating in the Fall Edition:
Click the author's name for a biography

Grades 1-3:

Rachna Gilmore (Making Grizzle Grow)

Zachariah Wells (Anything But Hank!)

Grades 4-6:

Dave Bidini (For Those About to Write)

Paul Glennon (Bookweird)

Kate MacDonald Butler (Anne of Green Gables reading and creative workshops)

Kenneth Oppel (Starclimber)

Grades 7-8:

Edeet Ravel (The Saver)

Max Turner (Night Runner)

Kenneth Oppel (Starclimber)

New this Fall: Events for Grades 9+

School visits by:

Gerald Caplan (Africa: The Groundwork Guide)

Pasha Malla (The Withdrawal Method)

Public event at Library and Archives with Gerald Caplan and Joan Baxter: Tuesday, Oct 21.

The Masterclass Series

The Masterclass Series is a series of public noon-hour events for emerging authors, in which established writers give hints, tips, techniques and advice for new writers. Back by popular demand, this fall our authors will cover the secrets of non-fiction, dialogue, drama, setting, poetry, screenwriting, and much more - all with plenty of time for audience questions. For all the events and times, visit www.writersfestival.org/events.

These events are ideal for emerging writers in high school and university; students always attend at a reduced rate, and groups arranged through schools attend free! Call 613-562-1243 for more information.