The 2025/2026 North Shore Authors Collection launches with over 50 new titles

Over 50 books by local authors are now available in North Shore libraries as part of the 2025/2026 North Shore Authors Collection. This collection, presented by North Vancouver City Library, North Vancouver District Public Library and West Vancouver Memorial Library, highlights homegrown literary talent from diverse voices.

Since its inception in 2021, the collection has showcased fresh stories from local authors in North Shore libraries each year, giving readers the chance to enjoy the stories of talented neighbours whose writing often reflects local settings and other inspiration from community life.  
 

Christine Read, author of Queenie Jean is in Trouble Again, featured her story about “a precocious ten-year-old girl with ADHD who moves across the country to the North Shore of Vancouver” in the collection for 2024/2025. Just as her character, Queenie, faces many challenges fitting in and making friends at her new school, Read faced her own challenges in publishing the book.
 

“I was told books about kids with ADHD don't sell and nobody wants to read a book set on the North Shore of Vancouver,” says Read. “But I persevered as does Queenie.”
 

"Queenie Jean is in Trouble Again" found an enthusiastic audience at North Shore Libraries and became the most-borrowed children's book in the 2024-2025 North Shore Author's Collection at North Vancouver District Public Library. Read says she appreciates the opportunity provided by the North Shore Author’s Collection. “I believe kids want to see themselves reflected in the books they read and am extremely grateful the NSAC makes that happen.”
 

It’s for this reason that Jill Klaponski, NVDPL’s Manager of Collections, says, “North Shore libraries are proud to put community voices front and centre. This collection lets us champion local authors and celebrate the creativity and personal stories that come from right here at home,” says NVDPL’s Manager of Collection, Jill Klaponski.
 

The new 2025/2026 collection continues to bring local stories to a wider audience, with books for all ages. Authors selected for inclusion in this year's collection must have had their work published between 2015 and 2025, either independently or commercially, and must have resided on the North Shore during the creation or publication of their work.    
 

“This year’s Local Author Collection features 54 titles from writers right here on the North Shore!”, shares WVML librarian Kate Quinn-Feehand.  “You’ll find wonderful local stories for children, inspiring poetry, and hidden gems of non-fiction. We’re especially excited to include new editions of community favourites Better Next Year and West Vancouver Stories in this year’s collection.” 
 

“This year’s Local Author Collection includes works in English, Persian, Korean and Spanish, reflecting the North Shore’s linguistic diversity,” says CJ Pentland, Librarian at North Vancouver City Library. “Applications for next year’s collection open in May 2026 for titles published before that date. If you’re just starting your writing journey, we invite you to explore our libraries’ writing and author programs for inspiration.”
 

For anyone who wants to get to know the authors and shop local this holiday season, the North Shore Author’s Collection Book Sale will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lynn Valley Library Community Meeting Room. Meet the authors, discuss their work, and purchase signed copies of the books in the 2025/2026 collection.

Author bios and information about the North Shore Authors Collection is available at www.northshoreauthorscollection.com.