Bookshelf 2019: One for the Books

Another Successful Bookshelf Event!

Nothing could dampen our spirits as we enjoyed a fun day at the Bookshelf on Saturday, May 25.

Despite the rain, record numbers of people filled the hall at the Lion’s Community Centre for this free event, browsing through over forty local authors and artisans. Though it may not have seemed like it, we had more than 500 visitors, at least 100 in the last hour alone when the sun broke through the clouds.

In our location next to the Farmer’s Market, we welcomed many local visitors as well as citizens from across York Region and the GTA. From fantasy and science-fiction to romance and biography, there was something for everyone at the largest not-for-profit book fair in the region.

From 8:30 to 1:00 (and maybe a little later) we brought Canadian authors closer to readers. A variety of readings were held throughout the day in the mini-lounge set up in the foyer to help keep everyone dry. Authors of children’s stories, fantasies, women’s fiction and many other genres shared their work and spoke about their writing inspirations.

Children of all ages were entertained with colouring and crafts in the KidZone, took part in the scavenger hunt, and met Black Beard the Pirate and the Mad Hatter. Surprise spot prizes were given away every twenty minutes to lucky guests as they browsed. It was a fun day for the bookishly inclined.

The Bookshelf would not have been a success without the help of our day-of volunteers corralled by Genevieve Chatel, and helmed by Nanci Pattenden and Val Tobin. We’d like to thank the Bookshelf staff, Karin Schrewe who ran the End of the Universe Café, and everyone who helped everything run smoothly for the event.

We’d also like to thank all of our sponsors for supporting us. A special thanks to our Gold Sponsors: The Newmarket Arts Council, Printing Legacy, Newmarket Public Library, SWB Insurance Brokers, BDO, TD, Newmarket Honda, and LAUFT. An extra big thank you goes out to the Town Cryer who went out into the rain to make announcements about our contests, readings and book fair.

Bookshelf 2019 has come to a successful conclusion and we hope to see you next year.