Chatham-Kent Public Library is partnering with Project Bookmark Canada, a national charitable organization that installs literary plaques in locations featured in Canadian literature, to celebrate two local authors.
The first plaque, honouring acclaimed Canadian author Robertson Davies, who was born in Thamesville, will be unveiled at the Thamesville Branch, located at 3 London Road, on Tuesday, September 22 at 1:30 p.m. The plaque will feature an excerpt from Davies’ novel “Fifth Business,” which reflects life in a small Ontario community before the First World War and the celebrations that followed its conclusion.
The unveiling ceremony will include remarks from project supporters and community partners, along with a public reading of the passage featured on the plaque. Refreshments provided by Bent Tin Baked Goods will follow. Visitors are also invited to explore the Thamesville Old Town Hall Museum, which will be open during the event with materials highlighting Davies’ connection to the community.
Library staff have developed a self-guided walking tour of Thamesville locations significant to Davies’ early life, including his birthplace and the site of his father’s printing press. The library has also established a dedicated collection of his works at the Thamesville Branch, which will be available for borrowing through any of the library’s 11 branches.
A second plaque will be installed at the Chatham Branch in honour of local author Lori Lansens, with details on that unveiling still in development.
The event is free and open to all community members. More information on library programs is available at www.ckpl.ca.
