In 2018, acclaimed Canadian historian and writer Charlotte Gray filled the Picton Town Hall, speaking in support of the Picton Branch Expansion. This April, after several years of fundraising and construction, she will return to Picton, but this time, to a new meeting room in the nearly-finished Picton Branch Library. Her latest book, Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons: The Lives of Jennie Jerome Churchill and Sara Delano Roosevelt, is a double biography of two strong-willed women, both born in New York in 1854.  She will join us as part of the County Reads Authors Festival as we return to a fully in-person event. 

Also making a return visit to Picton, Terry Fallis will speak about his latest release, A New Season. He brings his trademark humour and heart to this thoughtful exploration of aging, loss, family, friendship, and love. Terry Fallis is a terrific presenter who always entertains and engages the audience – and leaves you wanting to read his titles again, or for the first time.  His previous title, Operation Angus, was successfully championed by Andy Janikowski at last year’s County Reads debate.

Roy MacGregor will join us for readings and discussion of his book, Paper Trails: From the Backwoods to the Front Page, a life in stories. It shares the stories behind the stories. He is a bestselling author and longtime columnist for the Globe and Mail and other newspapers and magazines. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and was described in the citation as one of Canada’s “most gifted storytellers.”   

This year’s County Reads debate will be held on April 18 at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Picton. This debate is the local version of Canada Reads, where 5 brave contestants debate the superiority of their chosen Canadian books. The list of this year’s contestants is still a closely-guarded secret but rest assured that the organizing committee has approached some of the County’s greatest readers and it’s sure to be a lively debate.  

Children’s author Peggy Collins will join us on Friday, April 19 at 8:45  to talk about her book Harley the Hero, the tale of a service dog who is very heroic indeed.  Space is limited and school classes can join us at no cost by emailing liz@peclibrary.org.

Each of the events for adults will have a ticket price, with funds offsetting the costs of having the authors join us. Details about tickets, a yet-to-be announced fourth author, and the reveal of the County Reads participants to come. Visit the library website at peclibrary.org or watch future editions of this newspaper for more details.