NEWS RELEASE
WASAGA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Wasaga Beach Public Library is thrilled to announce its victory at this year’s Georgian Bay Reads, held at the Wasaga Beach Public Library.
Representing the library, defender Jeffrey Snape championed The Spoon Stealer by Lesley Crewe, winning the 2024 Georgian Bay Reads trophy.
Georgian Bay Reads unites five libraries across the region for a spirited literary competition that celebrates Canadian literature and the joy of reading.
Each library nominates a defender to passionately argue the merits of a chosen Canadian book, hoping to sway fellow defenders and audience votes and emerge as the champion. This year’s event took place on Saturday, October 26, with tickets sold out and a lively in-person audience cheering on their favourite defenders.
The evening began with a warm welcome by Wasaga Beach Public Library CEO Pam Pal, who introduced this year’s defenders:
- Beth Harte for Clearview Public Library (Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer)
- Jeff Cepukas for Collingwood Public Library (Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel)
- Sharlene McLean-Moodie for Meaford Public Library (Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard)
- Donna Carrick for Springwater Public Library (The Maid by Nita Prose)
- Jeffrey Snape for Wasaga Beach Public Library (The Spoon Stealer by Lesley Crewe)
The audience was captivated as each defender presented impassioned arguments, leading to an intense, good-natured competition filled with thought-provoking questions, strategic alliances, and memorable moments.
Ultimately, Jeffrey Snape’s compelling defence of The Spoon Stealer won over the crowd and fellow defenders, securing Wasaga Beach Public Library’s place as the 2024 Georgian Bay Reads champion.
“We are honoured to have hosted this year’s Georgian Bay Reads and proud to bring the trophy home,” said Wasaga Beach Public Library’s CEO Pam Pal. “The support of our community and our fellow libraries made this an unforgettable night, and Jeffrey’s dedication was truly inspiring.”
The event also celebrated Ontario Public Library Week, highlighting the essential role libraries play in fostering community connections and supporting lifelong learning. Wasaga Beach Public Library extends its thanks to all who attended, the dedicated volunteers, and fellow participating libraries: Clearview, Collingwood, Meaford, and Springwater Township.
For more information on Georgian Bay Reads or upcoming events at Wasaga Beach Public Library, visit wasagabeachpubliclibrary.ca.
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