ABOUT THE SOCIETY

Homegrown and transplanted writers alike thrive in the greater Victoria area – so much so that we lay claim to many of Canada’s most awarded and recognized poets, novelists, essayists, children’s book authors and historians.

With that reality and the generous help of committed volunteers and sponsors, the City of Victoria Butler Book Prize inaugural $5,000 prize was awarded in 2004 – created to acknowledge and celebrate an extraordinarily accomplished writing community and the readers who support them. The City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize was originally established by the late Mel Bolen and awarded as the Bolen Books Prize for Children’s Literature from 2008 to 2018. Our multi-genre adult and children’s prizes are awarded at an annual Gala in October, which is a feast for the senses and the intellect.