Several libraries in the region came together for Simcoe Reads, a friendly book competition. The winner was Innisfil’s champion, Paula Murphy, advocating for the book Finding Flora by Elinor Florence. Simcoe Reads involves community members representing their library and defending a book they believe everyone should read. Finding Flora is a historical fiction novel written by a Canadian author about a Scottish newcomer who jumps from a moving train in 1905 to escape her abusive husband. She is determined to start again, finding herself on a beautiful but wild Alberta prairie. The winner was up against Small Ceremonies by Kyle Edwards, Liberty Street by Heather Marshall, The Spirit of Scatarie by Lesley Crewe, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph, Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang, Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid and Is This A Cry For Help by Emily Austin. “Simcoe Reads is so much more than a competition,” the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library says in a social media post. “This cover-to-cover celebration brings our communities together and gives us a chance to share our love of reading, stories and great books.” In addition to Innisfil, participating libraries included Barrie, Midland, Bradford, New Tecumseth, Ramara, Essa and Severn. The event took place on Tues., Sept. 29 at the Southshore Community Centre in Barrie.
