Salon du Livre de Toronto

The growth of Toronto’s cultural scene has been unmistakably following city’s rapid growth in population and diversity. Salon du livre de Toronto, since 1993 a major hub for French-speaking book lovers, is an invitation to be immersed in Francophone cultures from all over the world.

According to its President Valery Vlad, Salon’s mandate is to “cultivate young readers of francophone literature and pique their interest in French culture, which can grow into a life-long interest in later years”. Approximately 4000 children attended last year’s events, a record number of visitors that almost overwhelmed Salon’s capacities. Animated by writers, activities like shows, contests and literature-related workshops take place both at the Salon and in elementary and secondary schools. In order to accommodate the growing attendance numbers, Salon is currently working to double its space and to extend the festival from three to four days.

Salon du Livre de Toronto 2007

The goal for the organizers this year is to reach larger adult audiences. In addition to workshops for adult readers, Salon will offer package deals to residents of the surrounding cities with significant Francophone communities, such as Oshawa and Hamilton. The package includes passes for the Salon, tickets for a French play and dinner at a French restaurant. The organizers are also looking for new ways to increase participation by Toronto’s numerous francophone immigrants. Writers from France, Belgium, Lebanon, Syria, and the Maghreb are invited each year and discussions that cover topics of concern to French-speaking newcomers are organized. “If there are no francophone cultural events that French-speaking people can participate in, francophone audiences will be lost”, notes Mr. Vlad. He hopes that Salon will double the adult visitors this year with the greatly diversified pool of writers.

The upcoming 16th Salon du Livre de Toronto will be held again at the Moss Park Armoury in early fall. Authors such as Marguerite Andersen, Andrée Christensen, Mireille Desjarlais-Heynneman, Michèle Laframboise and many more will attend Salon. The Christine-Dumitriu-Van-Saanen Award, sponsored by le Bureau du Québec à Toronto, will be presented to a Franco-Ontarian writer.

For more information on Salon du livre, visit www.salondulivredetoronto.org

Julie Tremble

After 10 years living, working and studying cinema and philosophy in Montreal, Julie Tremble moved to Toronto where she pursues her artistic career as photograph and videomaker.

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