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Read Local Okanagan hosts virtual reading series; arts non-profits to receive part of proceeds

Mar 27, 2020 | 10:27 AM

Readers across the valley and beyond have the chance to experience an interactive virtual reading series featuring nearly a dozen Read Local Okanagan writers.

“Readings, and art in general, can be such a balm during tough times, so we thought hosting a literary reading series online would be a way we could help uplift and connect our community in the only way we can right now,” said Natalie Appleton, a writer and the founder of Read Local Okanagan, a pop-up book stall featuring 52 titles by 24 writers from across the region. “We’re so excited about the lineup of writers and the chance to support arts organizations that support us as writers.”

A portion of the proceeds from the virtual reading series will benefit a handful of arts non-profits across the Okanagan, including Kelowna Friends of Library and the Caetani Cultural Centre.

The webinar-style series allows attendees to interact with writers via chat questions, polling, and a live Q&A session at the end of each reading. Closed captioning will also be available.

Read Local Okanagan is a pop-up bookshop that helps readers discover the literature of writers from across the Okanagan Valley. Appearing at festivals and the Vernon Farmers’ Market, Read Local Okanagan carries more than 50 new and out-of-print titles by 24 professional writers across genres—fiction, poetry and memoir.

The series lineup is as follows:

MARCH 31

Writers: Alix Hawley (All True, Not a Lie in It, My Name is a Knife) Shelley Wood (The Quintland Sisters), and Francie Greenslade (Shelter).
Theme: Survival
Non-profit to benefit: Kelowna Friends of the Library

APRIL 2

Writers: Renowned poets John Lent (A Matins Flywheel) and Sharon Thesen (The Receiver).
Theme: TBA
Non-profit: TBA

APRIL 7

Writers: Patti Shales Lefkos (Nepal One Day at a Time), Natalie Appleton (I Have Something to Tell You) and Michelle Doege (Wherever I Find Myself).
Theme: Travel
Non-profit: Caetani Cultural Centre

APRIL 9

Writers: Adam Lewis Schroeder (All Day Breakfast), Corrina Chong (Belinda’s Rings), and Sean Johnston (Listen all You Bullets).
Theme: Deception
Non-profit: Penticton & Area Access Centre

Registration is $10 and gets attendees access to all four readings. Reading attendees can register for the series at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ylulg_yIRo2jr_u2DBAzkQ

More information on Read Local Okanagan and the Virtual Reading Series is available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/readlocalokanagan/, or email admin@readheadcstudio.com.

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