The 1997 Governor General's Literary Award Winners
Gala Reading

For the first time in many years, the Governor General's Literary Awards were presented to the winners at Government House in Ottawa. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, November 18. And for the sixth year, the winners gathered at the National Library to read from their works on the following evening. This Gala reading has become the highlight of the Library's fall literary season, and one of the most eagerly awaited events in town.

National Librarian Marianne Scott noted in her welcoming remarks, "As the proud guardian of Canada's literary heritage, we think it appropriate that this event should be held here at the National Library. Events such as this testify to the vitality of our literary culture and the continuing importance of the written word in our lives." Everyone seemed to agree with those sentiments. The long lineups at the autographing tables and the smiles on the faces of writers and readers alike reminded all of us that there is nothing better than the meeting of minds in a common interest: books.

The evening was ably hosted by Odette Gough of Radio-Canada and Ken Rockburn of CBC Radio. Each of the writers and artists read or talked for five minutes. Special thanks go to actress Guylaine Normandin who, on very short notice, read for playwright Yvan Bienvenue, who, unfortuately, had taken ill.

The evening was sponsored by the CGI Group Inc. We thank them for making this wonderful event possible, and also extend our appreciation to the Independent Booksellers of Ottawa and the Librairie du soleil for their support.

This text was written for the February 1998 issue of National Library News by Randall Ware, Coordinator, Canadian Literature Research Service.

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1997 Governor General's Literary Award Winners (in order of appearance)

Rachel Manley English Nonfiction

Roland Viau French Nonfiction

Ian Ross English Drama

Yvan Bienvenue French Drama

Kit Pearson English Children's Literature (text)

Michel Noël French Children's Literature (text)

Barbara Reid English Children's Literature (illustration)

Stéphane Poulin French Children's Literature (illustration)

Marie José Thériault French Translation

Howard Scott English Translation

Pierre Nepveu French Poetry

Dionne Brand English Poetry

Aude French Fiction

Jane Urquhart English Fiction