Toronto - Keep Toronto Reading is the library's month-long celebration of the joy of reading, featuring literary and cultural events throughout the city.

Events from Saturday February 2 to Friday February 8, 2008:

Toronto's WinterCity Festival: Snuggle in to a re-telling of The Snow Queen by well-known author Ken Setterington and then try your hand at the folk art of scherenschnitt with Snow Queen illustrators Nelly and Ernst Hofer. Shelley Falconer and Shawna White, curators from the McMichael Gallery and co-authors of Stones, Bones and Stitches, highlight the artists of the Far North. Create your own Arctic art, too.

Saturday, February 2, 2 p.m., Nathan Phillips Square, RBC WinterCity Lodge


Gisèle's TVOKids Library Tour: Gisèle is coming from her Big Backyard to read a favourite book at a library near you! Share Gisèle's love of reading, find out how you can join her Big Backyard Book Club and much more!

Saturday, February 2, 2 p.m., York Woods Branch, 1785 Finch Avenue West, 416-395-5980

Wednesday, February 6, 1:30 p.m., Evelyn Gregory Branch, 120 Trowell Avenue, 416-394-1006


TTC Book Sale: Check out great bargains on books in TTC stations, from Toronto Public Library's Book Ends stores. Spend $5 or more on used books and receive a brand new book for free, while supplies last.

Monday February 4, Noon to 6 p.m., Yonge/Bloor Station


One Book Kickoff: Celebrate the launch of our first One Book program
featuring dramatic reading by Ross Manson, music by Mary Lou Fallis, and a discussion with Consolation author Michael Redhill.

Monday, February 4, 7 p.m., Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, 416-395-5577


Michael Redhill at Gibson House: Bring your copy of Consolation to a candlelit dinner with Michael Redhill at historic Gibson House. $25 plus GST. Pre-payment and pre-Registration required. Call 416-395-7432 for reservations.

Tuesday, February 5, 7 p.m., Gibson House Museum, 5172 Yonge Street (at the North York Centre subway station)


Michael Redhill Book Signing: Book signing with Michael Redhill.

Wednesday, February 6, 1:30 p.m., Nicholas Hoare Bookstore, 45 Front Street East


Michael Redhill Book club Visit: Join Toronto Public Library book club members in an informal chat with the author of Consolation. Open to all.

Wednesday, February 6, 6:30 p.m., North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, 416-395-5535 


Graphic Novels with Kazu Kibuishi and Kean Soo: Acclaimed graphic novel creators Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet) and Kean Soo (Jellaby) discuss their brand new all-ages graphic novels. Moderated by The Beguiling's Christopher Butcher.

Tuesday, February 5, 6:30 p.m., North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, 416-395-5535  


Kazu Kibuishi will also be making an appearance on Wednesday, February 6, 4–6 p.m. at The Beguiling, 601 Markham Street.


Black History Month Kickoff Event: Join poet Afua Cooper, radio producer Nick Davis, writer/broadcaster Dalton Higgins, author Rinaldo Walcott, poet Boonaa Mohammed and dub poet D'bi Young as they kick off a month-long showcase of the diverse voices of African-Canadian artists, writers and performers.

Thursday, February 7, 7 p.m., Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, 416-395-5577. 


One Book Talks with Suanne Kelman: Experience the Book. Ryerson professor and book lover Suanne Kelman presents an in-depth look at Consolation.

Thursday, February 7, 2 p.m. Brentwood Branch, 36 Brentwood Road North, 416-394-5240

Thursday, February 7, 7 p.m. Beaches Branch, 2161 Queen Street East, 416-393-7703


Diaspora Dialogues: Common Denominator, Reading the New Toronto. Diaspora Dialogues weaves together a diverse selection of poetry, short fiction, spoken word and play readings that evoke the complexity of our city. Join writers and performers in the textured community they create where we meet as artist and audience. Jill Andrew hosts. Featuring Andrea Thompson, Samantha Bernstein, Anusree Roy, Clara Ho.

Friday, February 8, 15, 22, 7 p.m., Palmerston Branch, 560 Palmerston Avenue, 416-393-7680.


For a complete copy of this year's Keep Toronto Reading program, please visit keeptorontoreading.ca or any branch of Toronto Public Library to pick up a program guide.


Keep TorontoReading is Toronto Public Library's month-long celebration of the joy of reading, featuring literary and cultural events throughout the city. This year, the library introduces the city's first community read, Keep Toronto Reading One Book. Everybody is invited to read this year's selection, Consolation by Michael Redhill.

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 17 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow more than 30 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, call Answerline at 416-393-7131.