Quebec readers are being asked to mark Aug. 12 on their calendars and purchase a book by a local author as part of an annual, province-wide effort to lift sales for Quebec writers and independent bookstores.
What the day is and why it matters
The initiative — promoted by booksellers across Montreal and beyond — asks residents to buy a book written by a Quebec author on that day and to read it over the late-summer weeks, whether at a campsite, by a lake or on a city patio. Organizers say the goal is both practical and symbolic: to put money directly into local cultural production and to draw attention to the depth and variety of literature being produced in the province.
“ON AUGUST 12, I’M BUYING A QUEBEC BOOK!”
That phrase has become the rallying call for the event, appearing on posters and social media as a simple prompt for consumers who might otherwise delay purchases until the fall. In Montreal, the rhythm of the city in August — patios, parks, beaches and quieter neighbourhood streets — provides a natural backdrop for reading outdoors.
Where people are encouraged to read
The campaign highlights the many informal reading venues that define Montreal summers. Suggested spots include beaches and waterfronts, the benches around the Old Port, the lawns at Parc Lafontaine, campsite hammocks and the many cafés and terraces that dot the city.
- Beaches and lakeshores: Handy for long-form fiction and essays.
- City parks: Popular for shorter reads or starting a new novel on a bench.
- Cafés and terraces: Ideal for dipping into poetry or non-fiction between errands.
- Campsites and road trips: A chance to make a book part of the holiday ritual.
Supporting local bookstores
Independent booksellers in Montreal are taking part, offering displays and recommendations of Quebec authors during the day. One local store mentioned in campaign materials is Destiil Books, which, like other neighbourhood bookshops, aims to create a welcoming space where readers can discover local voices and linger over selections.
For many independent shops, a seasonal sales boost can be significant. Beyond revenue, the event creates visibility for authors whose work might otherwise be overshadowed by national and anglophone markets or large international bestsellers.
How to take part
The idea is straightforward: on Aug. 12, choose and purchase a book by a Quebec author from a participating bookstore, then make time in the late-summer days to read it. For people who prefer digital purchases, the organisers’ focus is chiefly on encouraging the discovery and enjoyment of Quebec literature rather than mandating a format.
Practical tips for readers who want to join in:
- Visit your local independent bookstore early in the day to see curated displays and staff picks.
- Follow store and campaign social media accounts for recommended Quebec titles and events.
- Bring a tote or a reusable bag to avoid single-use packaging while supporting small retailers.
Broader cultural context
The summer campaign arrives at a moment when local cultural sectors are seeking steady audiences and direct support. Buying a book from a Quebec author not only benefits writers and booksellers financially but also helps sustain the editorial and translation ecosystems that bring Québécois work to wider readerships.
For readers, the initiative doubles as a way to reconnect with the province’s literary scene: shortlists, staff recommendations and seasonal book lists make it easier to find recent releases and rediscover established names. The campaign serves as a reminder that summer reading can be both leisurely and civic-minded.
| Date | Event | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 12 | Buy a book by a Quebec author | Bookstores across Montreal and Quebec |
For those who live outside Montreal, local bookshops and municipal libraries often participate in or promote similar initiatives. The simplest way to support Quebec writing on Aug. 12 is to stop by a nearby bookseller and ask for recommendations from provincial authors — and then, quite literally, sit down and read.
Across the city’s park benches and waterfront terraces, the sight of readers turning pages this August will be a modest but visible sign of support for the province’s literary community.
