If you missed this year’s Vancouver Writers Fest (or are just an absolute book fiend who can’t get enough—which, respect, and we see you), you’re in sweet, sweet luck: the Fraser Valley Writers Festival is this weekend.

The one-day event, which is completely free to attend (can we get an amen?), will see 10 authors from across the province head to the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford. Poet and essayist (and Tyee senior editor) andrea bennett will be on a panel at 3pm, while Cree novelist and memoirist Darrel J. McLeod is giving a keynote at 7pm. Other appearing authors include debut Heiltsuk First Nation novelist Brandon Reid (Beautiful Beautiful), 2023 Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize finalist Frances Peck (Uncontrolled Flight), and debut Saulteaux, Cree, and Métis poet Brandi Bird (The All + Flesh).

Whether or not you’re a self-described book person, it’s nice to see a literary event that’s completely free to attend. With the cost of books (along with the cost of everything else) going up, reading has become something of a luxury when it should be a right. And on that note: support your local library.

Fraser Valley Writers Festival

When: November 4

Where: University of the Fraser Valley Abbotsford, room B101

Admission: Free