September 22, 2026 (Toronto, Ontario) – The Giller Prize is thrilled to announce an exclusive new partnership with Book Bar to continue its in-person event series, #BookTalk. Featuring Canada’s finest writers in conversation with other notable Canadians, #BookTalk invites literary audiences to meet and learn from incredible artists in an intimate and inviting setting.

Located in the heart of Mirvish Village, Book Bar is Toronto’s newest and buzziest literary venue. Since opening in June 2026, the independent bookstore and bar has quickly established itself as a vibrant hub for literary activity, a thriving destination for culture, and a focal point for conversation and community.

“The Giller Foundation has long celebrated the best in Canadian fiction, and we are delighted to partner with Book Bar, a space that shares our passion for storytelling,” said Elana Rabinovitch, Executive Director of the Giller Foundation. “This partnership allows us to bring Canadian literature to life in a meaningful, dynamic and immersive way.”

“The Giller Prize has worked so hard to put Canadian storytelling in front of readers, so having #BookTalk call Book Bar home is a real honour,” said Robin Storfer, Co-Owner of Book Bar. “We built this space so people could gather around books the way they gather around a good meal or a good drink — this partnership is that idea come to life.”

The inaugural #BookTalk event at Book Bar will take place on Tuesday, October 27, when Giller Prize-winner Michael Redhill is interviewed by André Alexis about Michael’s latest novel, The Trial of Katterfelto.

This instalment will be followed by a special event on Tuesday, November 17, with the 2026 Giller Prize winner, who will be interviewed by Ian Williams.

About the Giller Prize
Founded by Jack Rabinovitch in 1994, the Giller Prize is Canada’s leading and most influential literary prize for fiction. The Giller Effect has been recognized industry-wide as one of the top drivers of book sales in Canada. The Giller Prize awards $100,000 annually to the author of the best Canadian novel, graphic novel or short story collection published in English, and $10,000 to each of the finalists. To date, the Giller Prize has awarded more than two million dollars to Canadian writers. The award is named in honour of Jack Rabinovitch’s wife, the late literary journalist, Doris Giller.

About Book Bar
Book Bar is a literary-hospitality destination in Toronto, blending an independent bookstore, neighbourhood bar, and cultural gathering space. Founded by longtime friends Robin Storfer and Tom Freeman, Book Bar opened its doors in June 2026 with a mission to celebrate books, conversation, and community through thoughtfully curated retail, hospitality, and programming. Housed within a heritage home in the heart of Mirvish Village at 600 Markham Street, Book Bar hosts a dynamic calendar of author talks, book launches, book clubs, speaker series, and cultural events, many of which have sold out since opening. Designed as a place to read, drink, gather, and connect, Book Bar brings people together through literature, conversation, and shared experience.

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Media Contact:
Rosemary Thompson
rosemary@artfulstrategies.ca
613.240.6739