2025 Writer in Residence Call for Expressions of Interest

Organization:

Powell River Public Library

Deadline:

May. 30, 2025

Website:

https://prpl.ca/programs-2/writer-in-residence-calls-for-expressions-of-interest/

Call for Artists Description:

The Powell River Public Library is a single branch municipal library that provides equitable opportunities for growth, literacy, exploration and connection. PRPL serves a population of approximately 20,000 people on the upper Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, an area that encompasses the City of Powell River, the Tla’amin Nation, and the qathet Regional District including Lund, Texada Island, Savary Island and beyond.

Powell River is located on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation along the Salish Sea. The area is renowned for its historic Townsite neighbourhood, hut-to-hut Sunshine Coast Trail, Powell Forest Canoe Circuit, and its innumerable opportunities for wilderness recreation and exploration. We can be reached via a direct flight from Vancouver, or via multiple ferry connections from Vancouver and the Lower Sunshine Coast or from Vancouver Island. 2025 will be year four of PRPL’s Writer in Residence program.

Job Description:

The Powell River Public Library (PRPL) invites applications for the Writer in Residence (WIR) contract. The program is a 6-week community engagement residency supporting emerging and established authors with preference given to writers with professional experience working with or writing for children and youth – including those working in a range of formats such as graphic novels and spoken word, and those working in fiction and/or non-fiction.

The residency aims to foster an appreciation for writing through innovative public programming that will engage young readers and writers, as well as the wider community.

The WIR has access to the PRPL Makerspace and will also engage with the public through school visits, outreach to community organizations, as well as in-person programs such as workshops, writer’s groups, manuscript consultation, and live performances.

Responsibilities:

The Writer in Residence will meet a public engagement schedule based on a draft calendar of events coordinated by PRPL’s programming team. This schedule will integrate and complement existing PRPL programs and will include:

Outreach presentations and workshops at local schools, community organizations, and Texada Island. Special guest attendance at pre-existing PRPL programs like Preschool Storytimes, as well as writing groups for youth and adults.

Regular office hours, running in-library workshops, writing sessions, and/or a themed series.

An end-of-residency debrief with PRPL staff with the opportunity to provide feedback about the residency with the goal of strengthening the residency for future Residents.

A final celebration that will bring together the Resident, community participants, and the public to celebrate and share writing produced in the program – this could take the form of a project or event.

Expressions of interest should include a residency plan that outlines themes or projects the writer wants to explore through personal writing projects and community engagement, as well as a list of developed, proven, and ready-to-go programs, presentations, and workshops for a range of ages with short descriptions included.

Qualifications:

A successful candidate has a demonstrated passion for writing, which they are eager to share, and an ability to work with and inspire writers of all ages and abilities. A successful candidate will have:

* A minimum of two published books or equivalent performance, publication, and public engagement experience.

* Proven experience in teaching writing workshops, editing, and mentoring writers, including youth and adults, as well as those writing for interest and enjoyment as well as publication.

* Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to engage and inspire.

* Wide-ranging knowledge and interest in a variety of genres.

* Knowledge of publishing.

* A commitment to inspiring and supporting Powell River’s writing community, especially those writing for children and youth.

* Must be able to work in Canada.

How to Apply:

Applicants will be evaluated based on inclusion of the following:

*A cover letter that includes a short author statement/bio .

* Resume or CV (In Word or PDF) with demonstrated experience in community and youth engagement.  

* Writing sample (10-page writing sample from a published book, and/or 5-10 pages of work-in-progress). 

* Detailed description of proposed public programs/workshops you would like to deliver during the residency (residency plan).

Our vision is to spark curiosity and inspire creativity by connecting library patrons with a working writer. Applicants are encouraged to identify in their cover letter some of the innovative ways their residency might resonate with and engage readers and writers, particularly youth.

The successful candidate will be selected by the Powell River Public Library programming team.  All applicants will be notified once the team has made its selection by Thursday, June 19th. The successful candidate will be notified, but their name will not be announced until the residency has been secured.

Please submit applications via email to:

Assistant Chief Librarian Melani Williams mwilliams@prpl.ca

Or by Mail:

Writer in Residence Program

Powell River Public Library

100-6975 Alberni Street

Powell River BC V8A 2B8

Fees/Compensation:

Remuneration  The Writer in Residence will receive $4,500 for a 6-week residency running Friday to Friday, September 19th to October 31st. This full-time position (35 hours/week) may include days, evenings and/or weekends. The WIR will devote 50% of their time to library programs and projects for all ages, and 50% of their time to personal writing projects. This amount includes offsite preparation time and onsite program delivery time at the library, as well as school presentations and outreach. Travel fees will be reimbursed up to $600 (based on submitted receipts). Accommodation  Accommodation is provided by PRPL. The WIR will stay in a heritage house in Powell River’s historic Townsite, a National Historic District of Canada, approximately six kilometres from the library. This charming neighbourhood has ocean views and key amenities within easy walking distance, numerous trails and close access to city transit. The house includes two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, and a kitchen, a back porch and ocean views. The house is reserved for the WIR from September 19th through to October 31st with checkout by 11 am on November 1st. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Contact Name: Melani Williams
Contact Email: mwilliams@prpl.ca
|Contact Phone: (604) 485-4796