The Greater Victoria Public Library has launched its Emerging Local Authors Collection 2026, bringing more than 120 books by 100 local writers to branches across the region, including the Juan de Fuca branch in Colwood. Residents can now browse and borrow works by authors from ten municipalities on southern Vancouver Island.
Unveiled on May 23 at the Central Branch in Victoria, the 11th annual collection features self-published, independently published, and small press books released between 2016 and 2025. The themes are as varied as the community itself, covering personal memoir, regional history, fantasy, wellness, identity, and family life.
The Juan de Fuca branch, located at 1759 Island Highway in Colwood next to the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, serves View Royal and Colwood residents. Like all Greater Victoria Public Library locations, it can receive books from the collection by request. View Royal has been part of the library system since 2002.
Since starting in 2015, the Emerging Local Authors Collection has showcased more than 1,700 titles. This year, three authors from the original collection returned with new books: Sever Bronny, Audrey Driscoll, and Martin Phipps. Library CEO Maureen Sawa, who helped develop the program, will retire this August after more than 15 years at the helm.
Local writers who missed this year’s collection can apply for next year’s edition starting in October. The 2027 collection will accept applications through mid-January.
