New Westminster’s Literary Bridges Festival highlights local authors

by Emma Shular on April 29th, 2024 at 6:38 PM

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This Mother’s Day weekend, the New Westminster Public Library is launching its Literary Bridges Festival. The four-day festival features 15 free events across New Westminster for people of all ages, ranging from hands-on workshops to book launches.

Caitlin MacRae, Programming Librarian at the New Westminster Public Library, says that she is ecstatic about it.

“The range of events being offered as well as businesses who have come on board to help present is amazing,” MacRae expresses in a release. “We have 21 local authors launching books, giving workshops, readings, and panel discussions, as well as several opportunities for people to participate in workshops, open mics, or feedback sessions on their own writing. It’s an opportunity for everyone not only to listen and celebrate local authors but also to learn and participate, too.”

Events include a microfiction showcase on May 10, a workshop on getting unstuck on May 11, and a poetry open mic on May 12.

Elaine Su, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, says in a statement that this festival is a celebration of community.

“As a small library, we wanted to capitalize on the power of partnership and community to deliver a festival that would appeal to as many as possible,” she says. “We’re excited for this year and to see how it grows in years to come.”