For immediate release:
EDMONTON, AB, September 17, 2016 – A story about three Alberta teenagers on the cusp of adulthood in a world on the brink of war is the winner of the $10,000 2016 Alberta Readers’ Choice Award.
A Wake for the Dreamland is the first novel from Lacombe native Laurel Deedrick-Mayne, and was published by FriesenPress. The coming of age tale about pre-war life through to the after effects of World War II is a tribute to and inspired by the generation of Deedrick-Mayne’s parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who saved family letters, clippings, stories and poetry.
The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) Alberta Readers’ Choice Award Award, one of North America’s richest literary prizes, is awarded annually for the best fiction or narrative non-fiction book written by an Alberta author. Now in its seventh year, the award recognizes exceptional writing in Alberta and encourages readers to support local authors.
“There is a staggering amount of talent among Alberta writers, and it is tremendous to see interest in both reading and voting continue to thrive,” said Pilar Martinez, EPL’s Chief Executive Officer.
Alberta readers were asked to vote for their favourite title and author throughout July and August after a jury released a shortlist of five finalists. A total of 3,380 votes poured in, a 30 per cent increase over last year’s votes and the highest number logged since the award was initiated.
The other four finalists for the 2016 Alberta Readers’ Choice Award were:
- The Battle of Alberta, by Mark Spector (McClelland & Stewart)
- Birdie, by Tracey Lindberg (HarperCollins Publishers)
- Road Trip Rwanda, by Will Ferguson (Viking Canada)
- Rumi and the Red Handbag, by Shawna Lemay (Palimpsest Press)
Linda Garvin, EPL’s Executive Director, Customer Experience, presented the award at the 2016 Book Publishers Association of Alberta Awards Gala in Calgary.
-30-
About the Alberta Readers’ Choice Award
The Alberta Readers’ Choice Award is presented by the Edmonton Public Library (EPL). Currently in its seventh year, the award promotes literacy and reading to Albertans by highlighting the unique and talented writers residing in our province. The $10,000 prize, sponsored by EPL, goes to the author of the winning title as voted on by the reading public. The Alberta Readers’ Choice Award is one of the largest literary prizes offered in Alberta and is comparable to many national literary awards. For more information about the award, visit https://www.epl.ca/browse_program/arca/.
About the Edmonton Public Library
The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is proud to be 2014 Library of the Year! We’ve come a long way since 1913 when books were all you could find on our shelves… and we’re just getting started! Today, EPL carries everything you care about. We are Edmonton’s largest lender of all manner of information and entertainment. Our professionally trained staff take you beyond Google with the knowledge, discernment and desire to help you navigate a universe of information. The second most visited place in Edmonton, every year EPL hosts over 14 million in-branch and online visits across our 20 branches and website. We deliver our incredible content to you everywhere – in the library, at home or on your handheld device. Unmatched access and unrivalled value – that is today’s EPL. EPL is a registered charity and relies on donations to enhance services. Spread the words. www.epl.ca/give
For more information, contact
Heather McIntyre
Marketing Communications Specialist
Edmonton Public Library
780-496-7055
hmcintyre@epl.ca
