One Book, All Communities
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Want to read great books with fellow booklovers?

Welcome to our One Book, All Communities program! In March 2025 read the Giller Prize-winning “The Sleeping Car Porter” and join fellow booklovers in exploring this triumphant historical fiction novel’s themes of race, identity, and resilience. Share insights, ask questions, and connect with your community.

 

Events

Meet the Author: Suzette Mayr: Exploring “The Sleeping Car Porter”

Don’t miss our virtual author talk with Suzette Mayr on March 6, 6:30-7:30pm. Meet Suzette Mayr and talk about her book, “The Sleeping Car Porter.” Learn about the story and ask your questions.  Don’t miss this chance to chat with the author!

Join online with the Event Link

All are welcome.  Please register if you'd like reminders.

Book Club Discussions

Watch to see if your local library is hosting a book club discussion featuring this book or participate online. 

Salmon Arm

  • Saturday, February 8th from 2:00-3:00pm

Vernon

  • Saturday, March 15th from 10:30-11:30am

Check out other book clubs at ORL libraries on our online events calendar.

One Book, All Communities: Short Story Contest

Explore Your Creativity: Write, Imagine, and Win with Our Creative Writing Contest

Unleash your creativity with our Creative Writing Contest!   Inspired by The Sleeping Car Porter, write a short story exploring themes of race, identity, and/or resilience.  Win exciting prizes.  Submit your story by March 31, 2025.

Eligibility:

Entrants must live, work, or attend school in ORL’s Service area and have an Okanagan Regional Library card.

General Guidelines:

  • All entries must be unpublished, complete, and original work of the entrant.
  • Submit only one entry.If you submit more than one, only the first submission by timestamp will be eligible.
  • Entries are judged anonymously; your name should only appear on the title page.
  • By entering this contest, you permit ORL to use your name for promotional purposes, including the ORL’s print, visual, or electronic/online media.
  • We recognize generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools, such as ChatGPT, can be useful when writing.You must be transparent about using AI; include an acknowledge how and when you used AI in your submission on your title page.For example: “I used AI recommendations to revise my wording when editing.”
  • All finalist and winning entries will be reviewed for plagiarism.

Submission Guidelines

  • Short stories should be double-spaced, with a white 8 ½ “x 11” layout (letter sized).
  • Text must be black to ensure high contrast.
  • Include page numbers.
  • Use .doc, .docx, or .pdf formats for electronic submissions.
  • Include a title page with your name and contact information.
  • Submit entries to entries@orl.bc.ca or to your local ORL branch.

Judging Criteria:

  • Stories will be judged based on originality, adherence to the themes in The Sleeping Car Porter, and writing quality.Must be less than 10 pages (or 5000 words)

Prizes:

  • 1st: $200
  • 2nd: $100
  • 3rd: $50

Important Dates:

  • March 31 – Entries due by email or to an ORL staff member.
  • April 30 – Winners will be announced

Contact Information:

If you have any questions, please connect with entries@orl.bc.ca.

Books