Every October, a fantastic selection of new, Canadian books are announced as part of the Forest of Reading program. K-3 student enjoy the Blue Spruce picture books during their library visits and Junior students are able to join the Silver Birch readers club and take out books during their book exchange time and recesses. Junior students commit to reading 5 of 10 books in a chosen reading program (Fiction, Non-Fiction or Express). All participating students get a chance to vote on their favourite at the end of April. Every vote counts and all votes are sent to the Ontario Library Association to determine the winning books. The winners are announced on stage at Harbourfront at the annual Festival of Trees where students get to attend the awards ceremonies, participate in author workshops and go to author book signings. Wilkinson Silver Birch readers will have a chance to attend the Festival in the middle of May.
The following is a list of the past winners and nominees for both the Blue Spruce and Silver Birch Awards: