About the Event
Emma McKenna and Jaclyn Desforges are bringing the Weird Girls Book Tour to Riverside Bookshelf in Paris, ON. Come celebrate the launch of Gold Star (Book*hug, 2026) by Emma McKenna and Weird Babies (The Porcupine's Quill, 2026) by Jaclyn Desforges. Expect readings from both books, a Q&A, and time to hang out.
This event is free and open to all.
When and Where
Date: Friday, May 9, 2026 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Venue: Riverside Bookshelf
Address: 32 Dundas St. W, Paris, ON
About the Venue
Riverside Bookshelf is a neighbourhood bookstore located by the Grand River in Paris, Ontario. From owner Alison Fishburn:
"Our passion is to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning through literature…. Our brick and mortar shop, located by the Grand River in Paris, Ontario, is a destination for literature newbies and enthusiasts alike."
There's also a vending machine full of stickers and other bookish goodies, because Riverside is that kind of place.
Accessibility
We encourage masks and ask everyone to please come scent-free. Seating is available — the bookshelves transform into seats! There is an accessible washroom on site with a change table, but there is a step at the entrance of the store.
If there's anything we can do to support your access, please let us know.
The Books
Gold Star by Emma McKenna (Book*hug Press, 2026) — poetry collection.
Weird Babies by Jaclyn Desforges (The Porcupine's Quill, 2026) — short story collection.
Books will be available for purchase at the event.
More Tour Stops
This is one stop on the Weird Girls Book Tour, a Southwestern Ontario tour celebrating Gold Star and Weird Babies. Find the full tour schedule at jaclyn.ink/wgbt.
Gratitude
We are so grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts, the League of Canadian Poets, and the Writers’ Union of Canada for their generous support.
