Local Authors

We have a huge group of talented writers throughout Simcoe County!

Explore our resources below to check out our collection and discover reading lists featuring local authors, or take part in our author- and writing-themed Programs & Events. We've also compiled Resources for Readers & Writers you can use to improve your writing skills and work on getting published yourself.

Simcoe County authors - interested in applying to get your book in BPL's collection? Learn more about the process and fill out our application form!

Local Author Book Market

Join us for our annual Local Author Book Market on Saturday, December 7 from 10am - 4pm at our Painswick location (48 Dean Ave). Meet our amazing local authors and listen to their book readings on our main stage, and buy their latest titles in time for your holiday gift giving and reading.

Resources for Readers & Writers

Check out the info below for helpful links to Digital Library resources to boost your skills, video interviews with local authors, reading lists, local writing groups, and more.

Discover Local Authors

There are a few different ways to discover local authors!

Local Author Showcase: Features local author interviews and videos on self-publishing.
Book Chats & Author Edition Book Chats: Staff and local authors we interview are excited to tell you about their favourite books, authors and resources.
Local Authors in myBPL: Search for titles by local authors using the subject ‘Local Author’ in myBPL, or check out our staff-curated list of books by local authors.

Resources for Writers

Looking to meet other writers? Search for local Barrie and area community groups using the keyword ‘writing instruction’ in the Community Information Directory.

Take your writing to the next level with free online classes:

Universal class has a lot of writing courses.... 55 of them, including mystery, poetry, short story and novel writing!

Creativebug offers award-winning art video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists that can help you with:

developing your creative thinking and writing
creative journaling
creating a journal for your writing
beginning calligraphy
brush lettering
creative lettering, and more!

LinkedIn Learning enables you to develop your writing skills online, on your time. Courses are taught by industry experts on editing and proofreading, writing a bestselling novel, the craft of story, foundations of fiction and more.

Brainfuse HelpNow is the place to get live online study help from a professional tutor (disponible en français). Receive live help with English and French language learning, as well as advice and suggestions on writing style to improve your creative writing, fiction, poetry, assignments, or papers. Make use of the comments section when submitting your writing! This service helps you improve through learning and does not include direct edits or revisions.

Programs and Events

We host writing and local author programs and events throughout the year! Find when these events are happening in the Events Calendar - sort by ‘Event Type’ and narrow your search to ‘Authors’ and ‘Books & Beyond’ using the checkboxes.

Learn more about our annual events:

Poetry Month (April)
Culture Days (September/October)
Simcoe National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) (November)
Local Author Book Market (December)

Rave Reviews

Teens have a virtual way to earn volunteer hours at the library – by writing reviews! This is a great opportunity for teens who love to write.
Share comments and star ratings about why you love a local author’s book or other titles in our catalogue myBPL.