“This is a wonderful opportunity for library patrons, and children especially, to enjoy the readings and workshops given by this well-known Quebec author,” said Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “Libraries play an important role in helping children and adults alike become more familiar with Canadian literature, through books, technology and live readings.”

M. Barcelo will be visiting with participating schools and libraries across Prince Edward Island, including: the Pierre Chiasson school in DeBlois, Abram-Village public library, J.-Henri-Blanchard public library in Summerside, St-Augustin school in Rustico, Dr.-J.-Edmond-Arsenault public library in Charlottetown and Souris public library.

The tour, which will run from May 19-22, 2009, is sponsored by the Canadian Council of the Arts and organized by the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. For more information about the tour, visit the events page of the library website at www.library.pe.ca.

BACKGROUNDER

• François Barcelo was born in Montreal, Quebec.

• He was a finalist for the Governor General’s literary award in 1997 for his translation of The Underside of Stones. In 2007, he won the Governor General’s literary award with La fatigante et le fainéant.

• He was the first Quebec author to have a book, Une histoire de pêche, translated into Danish (Gyldendhal) in 2000.

• Since 1981, he has published many works including 20 youth novels, more than 30 adult novels and numerous graphic novels.

• In 2002, his book Premier trophée pour Momo de Sinro won the Hackmatack award.

• In 2005, his book Le nul et la chipie was the first french book to win the TD literary youth award.

• For complete biography: http://www.aei.ca/~barcelof/