Politicians crimp libraries at their peril. This year, a public outcry led Saskatchewan’s government to acknowledge that it was wrong to cut library budgets by 4.8 million Canadian dollars. Afterward, officials restored the flow of money. Similar protests last year led Newfoundland to suspend its library closings.

But what brings life to libraries, along with readers, are librarians. So ahead of Canada Letter’s midsummer break next week, we’ve asked some of those librarians for reading suggestions to fill the void (although of course you can still read about Canada and the world in The Times). Here are some of their suggestions for recent books by Canadian authors.

Megan Stecyk, Saskatoon Public Library, Saskatchewan:

“100 Days of Cree,” by Neal McLeod



“McLeod describes Cree as ‘the sexiest’ of all languages, and his book explores the humor, modernity and adaptability of today’s Cree. It’s easy to drop in to any page and learn the Cree word for the Death Star from Star Wars or a Tim Horton’s double-double, as well as traditional and seasonal phrases.”

“The Devourers,” by Indra Das

“This is Das’s first full fiction piece outside of his work in science fiction anthologies. It’s a raw, intense debut, well worth it for readers who enjoy folkloric creatures, unconventional romantic relationships and visceral (sometimes unsettling) storytelling.”

Michelle Patenaude, Vancouver Public Library, British Columbia:

“Son of a Trickster,” by Eden Robinson



“The first in a trilogy, ‘Son of a Trickster’ is an incredibly engaging, coming-of-age story of an indigenous teen in northern British Columbia. Eden Robinson’s almost magical ability to blend wry humor, magical realism and teenage reality will have you holding your breath for the next in the series.”