The New Westminster Public Library is excited to be participating in the Postal Code Readings.
Writers from postal code V6A will visit V3M, New Westminster Public Library's postal code, on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. The readings are inspired by the publication of a new book, V6A: Writing from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and V3M is one stop in the five-part series.
Forty years ago Canada was divided into postal code zones, which made sorting and delivering the mail significantly easier. Postal codes also allow for the collection of data about inhabitants of an area that in turn help define that area. V6A is the postal code for the area known as the Downtown Eastside or DTES. It is Vancouver's oldest community, but is also one that deals with intense social issues. Given its demographics, it has become known as the poorest postal code in the country. What the statistics don't show is the diversity, creativity, optimism and energy that exist in the area. This is evident in this new collection of writings. It is an initiative of the Thursday Writing Collective which provides free, drop-in writing classes, editing help and training and publishing opportunities for participants.
The editors see the anthology as a reflection of the DTES and the population that moves throughout the community on a daily basis. The contributors have all, at some point, been a member of the DTES community - as an activist, resident, or employee, whether by choice or by necessity. They come from a variety of class and educational backgrounds with a range of gender, cultural, and racial identities.
In addition to the readings, editor Elee Kraljii Gardiner will engage the audience in a conversation about local issues.
If you plan to attend the Postal Code Readings, please call the library at 604527-4667 to register.
