First Nation Communities Read is an annual reading campaign launched in 2003 by the First Nations public library community in Ontario.
First Nation Communities Read celebrates literature that:
- is written and/or illustrated by, or otherwise involves the participation of a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit creator;
- contains First Nation, Métis, or Inuit content produced with the support of First Nation, Métis, or Inuit advisers/consultants or First Nation, Métis, or Inuit endorsement.
Through its title selections, First Nation Communities Read:
- encourages family literacy, intergenerational storytelling, and intergenerational information sharing;
- promotes the publication, sharing and understanding of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit voices and experiences;
- increases awareness and sales of the titles it honours.
The First Nation Communities Read program involves an annual call to publishers for submissions. A jury, composed of representatives
from the Ontario First Nations public library community, reads, assesses, and discusses the submissions before selecting one title.
The honoured book is announced early each year in the lead up to
First Nations Public Library Week
and is the focus of much of the Week’s celebrations. The First Nation Communities Read program also welcomes readings and programming
throughout the year.
Subject to the annual receipt of funding support, the First Nation Communities Read program provides for the:
- Purchase and distribution of copies of the selected title to First Nation public libraries in Ontario;
- Design, printing, and distribution, to all public libraries in Ontario, of a poster promoting the selected title and other worthy nominations;
- Printing of First Nation Communities Read book stickers;
- Sponsorship of readings and signings at the annual Ontario Library Association Super Conference and during First Nations Public Library Week.
The Ontario First Nation public library community encourages all libraries and communities across Canada to participate in the First Nation Communities Read program and welcomes all media coverage and programming reports to assist with future funding applications.
We acknowledge the financial support of the
Government of Canada through the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP)
for this project.
as of February 19, 2010
