Books & Audiobooks
If you can believe it, 2026 is the 25th Anniversary of CBC Canada Reads! Ali Hassan will be hosting the debate from April 13th to 16th, broadcasting each day at 10:05 a.m. ET on CBC Radio, with a live audio stream and podcast recap on CBC Listen.
This year, five celebrities have been chosen to battle it out in the daily elimination debate to name the one book that everyone in Canada should read; this year’s theme being “one book to build bridges.”
To celebrate this momentous occasion, we’re inviting you to join us for our book chat at the Main Library (see details below). We’ll learn more about the five books selected for this year’s debate and discuss the fascinating history of this literary phenom.
Canada Reads 2026 Shortlisted Titles
This year’s shortlisted titles are in high demand, so while you’re waiting for them on hold, get your hands on a great read right away by checking out one of the previous years’ winners. Click on the images below to read a little bit more about my top three favourite past winners.
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
2023 Winner
Ducks is an autobiographical graphic novel about Kate Beaton’s time spent working in the Alberta oil sands in the 2000s. Like many other East Coasters, she travels west to try and make a living at a well-paying but ruthless profession. As one of a minority of women working these jobs, she faces many challenges and we see this depicted in her expressive black and white cartoon illustrations. Exploring both the impact on the people doing this work as well as the environment itself, Beaton presents an epic, emotional and thought-provoking graphic novel.
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Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead
2021 Winner
Jonny Appleseed is a very visceral read, so beautifully and unapologetically written telling the story of Jonny, a two spirit/queer indigenous youth who has moved off the reservation and now works as a cybersex worker in big city Winnipeg. Memories, emotions and history all come flooding back as he tries to figure out how to raise enough money to get back to the reservation for his stepfather’s funeral.
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A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews
2006 Winner
A Complicated Kindness is Miriam Toews’ third novel and inspired by her experience growing up in a Mennonite community in Manitoba. In this dark and very specific coming of age story, the 16-year-old protagonist Nomi struggles to grow up with her well-meaning father after her mother and sister have escaped their family and what they believe are the oppressive values of their community. What will Nomi’s future hold?
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Book Chat Program image
Book Chat: Get Ready for Canada Reads 2026
Thursday, March 26
6:30pm to 7:30pm
Main Library
If you love reading, discussing books, and discovering new titles, Book Chats is the perfect place for you. This series offers a welcoming space to explore a variety of genres, revisit old favourites, and hear fresh recommendations from fellow readers and WPL staff.
This Book Chat will celebrate 25 years of CBC Canada Reads. Before the celebrity panel takes the stage to decide which title all Canadians should read, join us to explore this year’s contenders.
Register