Bringing literary excellence to Strathmore

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

The Marigold Library System was presented with four out of the five books listed on the Scotiabank Giller Prize short list. In 2005 Scotiabank and the Giller Prize joined forces to create the Scotiabank Giller Prize. The Giller Prize originally began in 1994 and is an award which recognizes excellence in Canadian fiction, with a cash prize of $25,000, which is the largest for literature in the country. 

“I think it’s good to support Canadian authors and literature and this is a way to do that,” said Laura Taylor, assistant director for the Marigold Library System. “It’s a great way to recognize the importance that the library plays with literacy.” 

‘The Matter with Morris’ by David Bergen, ‘This Cake is for the Party’ by Sarah Selecky, ‘Annabel’ by Kathleen Winter, and ‘Light Lifting’ by Alexander MacLeod were presented to the library on Nov. 5. 

‘The Sentimentalists’ by Johanna Skibsrud is on order.  

This is the first time Scotiabank has presented to the Marigold Library in this district, Brenda Cermak, branch manager for Strathmore, said it is “just because it (Marigold) is really involved, not just with the Strathmore community, but other areas as well.”

Marigold supplies a lot of support and services to 35 libraries within the Marigold Library system. 

Marigold Library System provides services to the public library. They order materials, catalogue and process the materials so they are ready upon arrival at the public library. There is also a service offered called paperbacks by mail. It’s available to people who live far from a public library, they can call the Marigold Library to get a card and the materials they are looking for will be delivered to their home free of charge. 

Because of the agreement with Scotiabank made in 2005, the winner of the Scotiabank Giller Prize was increased to $50,000 and the four finalists will each be awarded $5,000.