Ottawa Book Awards 2025 Ceremony – Celebrating the City's Storytellers and Creators

Ottawa – The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) invites the public and those interested in cultural affairs to attend the Ottawa Book Awards 2025 ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, November 15 at 7 PM at the “Lise Lai” Theatre, at the “Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe” (101 Centrepointe Drive), celebrating literary voices that have illuminated the local scene and contributed to shaping the city’s cultural awareness.

The Ottawa Book Awards, launched in 1985, are among the most prominent literary events in the capital, honoring the best works published in both English and French in the fields of fiction and non-fiction by authors from Ottawa. These awards have become an annual platform to recognize literary creativity that transcends the city’s boundaries and reflects the diversity of Canadian society.

Guest of Honor: Charlotte Gray

The prominent Canadian historian and writer Charlotte Gray will be the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the ceremony. She is one of the most influential writers in the Canadian cultural scene and the author of widely acclaimed works such as Sisters in the Wilderness, The Massey Murder, and Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons.

Gray has won the Ottawa Book Award twice and has been nominated eight times. In her speech, she will address the importance of literary awards and the role of writers in the age of artificial intelligence, touching on the status of literature as a bridge for human understanding in the era of digital transformations.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Time: 7 PM

Location: “Lise Lai” Theatre, “Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe” – Ottawa

Admission is free and open to all (with prior reservation required)

Reception after the ceremony

During the evening, the winners of the novel and research awards in both English and French will be announced, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the authors and get their books signed thanks to the collaboration with The Spaniel’s Tale and Le Coin du livre libraries.

Celebrating Literature and Community

The ceremony marks the culmination of a full year of creativity and an opportunity to honor writers who have contributed to expanding the horizons of Canadian literature and enhancing cultural dialogue. The Ottawa Public Library reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting free expression and encouraging local talents, within its mission to inspire learning, ignite curiosity, and connect people with knowledge.

Additional Information

For more details about the event and the list of nominees, please visit: BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca

Or contact via email: InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca

Phone: 613-580-2940

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