Welcome to our updated website! Explore the new GVPL online experience

Search the
Choose where your search is sent: Catalogue or Website. Whichever you select is where the text you type will be searched.
for
Home / Read, watch, listen / Emerging Local Authors Collection

Emerging Local Authors Collection

Since 2015, we’ve celebrated the creativity, talent, and diverse voices of local storytellers across our community. The Emerging Local Authors Collection has featured more than 1,700 titles by more than a thousand authors. Each one brings a unique voice and perspective to your library shelf.

A heartfelt thank-you to the many writers who have made this possible. Find the print books on display at the Central Branch on the main floor for one year. You can browse the titles and place them on hold to pick up at the branch of your choice. The ebooks are accessible online through Libby, by OverDrive with unlimited borrowing.

The 2026 collection launched this spring.

Browse the collection
ELAC book display

11th year celebration video

We welcomed 100 authors for the 11th annual Emerging Local Authors Collection. Take a look back at the launch event held on May 23, 2026 at the Central Branch.

11th year photo album

At this year’s launch, dozens of attendees left with a new summer read by a local author. Browse the photo album to see the proud authors and their books.

Check out the photos
Local author signing book

Apply to be part of the collection

Each year, we invite local authors and illustrators to apply. If you live on southern Vancouver Island, or lived here while working on your book, we’d love to hear from you.

Check back October through mid-January to apply for next year’s collection.

Have questions?

Email us at [email protected] to learn more about the Emerging Local Authors Collection.

About the past collections

See overviews of past Emerging Local Author Collections:

ELAC display at central branch