Weird Girls Tour Stop: Guelph, Ontario (May 13, 2026)
About the Event
Emma McKenna and Jaclyn Desforges are bringing the Weird Girls Book Tour to The Bookshelf in Guelph, 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. We'll be joined by special guest reader Lisa Baird. Expect readings from all three writers, a Q&A, and time to hang out.This event is free and open to all.
When and Where
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Venue: The Bookshelf
Address: 41 Quebec St., Guelph, ON
About the Venue
The Bookshelf is a family-owned and operated business established in 1973."The Bookshelf is a family owned and operated business established in 1973. We have hosted countless creatives in our Bookstore and beyond in collaboration with many wonderful community groups."The fully accessible upper level of the building features a 130-seat Cinema (est. 1989), plus an additional event space which has hosted live music, readings, drag and burlesque performances, and dance parties.
Accessibility
The Bookshelf features accessible doors and an all-gender accessible washroom. The event is taking place at the back of the store and is accessible by ramp, with seating and wheelchair/scooter attendance space available. Masking with high quality respirators is encouraged, and free masks will be available on site.If there's anything we can do to support your access, please let us know.
About the Guest Reader
Lisa Baird is a queer poet, essayist, and community acupuncturist. Her first poetry collection, Winter's Cold Girls, was shortlisted for the 2020 Relit Award for poetry. Her second poetry collection, When Whales Went Back to the Water, came out with UAlberta Press in 2025. She's currently at work on an essay collection.You can learn more about Lisa at www.lisabaird.ca.
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.
