Cast your vote for the 2026 Oxford Reads title

Five Canadian titles shortlisted for this year’s community-wide reading event

Oxford County Library and Woodstock Public Library are once again teaming up for Oxford Reads, now in its ninth year. This community-wide reading initiative celebrates Canadian authors and brings readers together through a shared story, with programming throughout the summer and fall to help readers explore the book and connect with others.

This year, the Oxford Reads Committee is inviting the public to help choose the 2026 featured title from a shortlist of five books, chosen from 35 nominations by staff and members of the public. The finalists are:

·     Gin, Turpentine, Pennyroyal, Rue by Christine Higdon

·     Horsefly by Mireille Gagné, Translated by Pablo Strauss

·     How to Survive a Bear Attack by Claire Cameron

·     In the Upper Country by Kai Thomas

·     Vanished Beyond the Map by Adam Shoalts

From wilderness adventures to thought-provoking fiction, this year’s shortlist offers something for every kind of reader.

Voting is open and runs until May 1 at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Readers can explore the shortlisted titles, borrow a copy from Oxford County Library or Woodstock Public Library, and cast a vote at www.oxfordreads.ca.

The winning title will be announced in May, and the selected author will be invited to attend the Oxford Reads Gala this fall.