Daron Letts
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 30/05) - "October is going to be an amazing month at the library," said Yellowknife Public Library manager Deborah Bruser.

The month kicks off with NWT Literacy week from Oct. 1-7. The library and the NWT Literacy Council have partnered with the Native Women's Association, the Yellowknife Senior's Society, Aurora College, the Territorial Writer's Association and the Book Cellar to promote reading, writing and the exchange of ideas.

"The week is a chance to get people to think about and celebrate literacy," said Brad Heath, of the NWT Literacy Council.

Toronto poet, performer and creative writing instructor Stuart Ross will headline a coffee house event at Javaroma, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

Yellowknife writers and students will read excerpts of their works. He will also present workshops for schools and the Territorial Writers' Association.

"Being a poet, I don't get rich, but I get to visit places I wouldn't otherwise experience," he said. "Any new experience for a writer is a good one. For me, going to Yellowknife will be a good experience."

Yellowknife residents are invited to read Manitoba author Miriam Toews' latest novel, A Complicated Kindness, this fall. It's an award-winning story about growing up in a religious, rural community.

"We want to focus the community on the reading and sharing of this one book," Bruser said.

Multiple copies are on loan at the library, including an audio version, and for sale at the Book Cellar.

The Book Cellar will also release 15 copies in public spaces around town, so keep on the lookout for a free copy.

Readers will discuss the novel's themes during the season's first Philosopher's Cafe in the library meeting room, 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. The title of the discussion is A Religious Experience.

A lecture by educator Barbara Miron, titled Spiritual Abuse: the Road to Recovery, is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 8 in the library meeting room. Her talk will also address the issues raised in Toews' novel.

Readers are invited to comment on the book on the library's blog http://oneyellowknife.blogspot.com.

The GNWT Ministerial Literacy Awards will be presented at Northern United Place on Saturday at 1 p.m. and the Canada Post Literacy Awards will be presented during an adult learner's luncheon at the same venue on Oct. 5.

NWT Literacy week events

Book sale

Today from noon-5 p.m. and tomorrow from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Checkout the huge selection of quality books displayed in the meeting room at the Yellowknife Public Library.

Literacy Fair

Monday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Information booths and family activities will be scattered throughout the Centre Square Mall.

Literacy Games

Monday, Oct. 3 from 1-3 p.m. at the Native Women's Association

Contact the Association to participate in an afternoon of activities (snacks provided). Call 873-5609.

Reading Hour

Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 6:45-7:45 p.m. at the library

Stories, crafts and prizes for children aged 4 to 8.

For more events, look for the posters around town or checkout www.nwt.literacy.ca.