The 45th salon du livre de l'Outaouais : celebrate reading loud and proud

In 2024, the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais (SLO) is reading loud and proud!  Join us at the Palais des congrès de Gatineau for a variety of activities, under the honorary presidency of Léa Clermont-Dion, author of Porter plainte. You’ll be able to dive into a sea of books, explore the latest creations from authors from the Outaouais, Quebec, Canada and all across the globe, exchange ideas with passionate editors and discover the hidden treasures of publishing houses. The Salon du livre de l’Outaouais offers the full literary experience, from captivating novels and bewitching poetry collections to provocative essays.  

BEHIND THE SCENES AT SLO 

Did you know that the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais is organized months in advance? As early as spring, in preparation for the February kick-off. Less than 10 people work body and soul to bring you the best experience possible. I had the opportunity to talk with Lisanne Rheault-Leblanc, artistic director for the SLO and the Maison des arts littéraires. Lisanne, who I affectionately call the “conductor of the program,” lets me give you a peek behind the scenes of this major literary event. The SLO is her baby. “It’s a whirlwind of books on the horizon, but we’re very happy to ride the current. We never get tired and we’re already looking forward to the next one!” she says. Lisanne describes herself as the matchmaker of literature. She makes sure that everything is going as planned and that there’s perfect harmony on stage, so the audience is enraptured.

She confides that the team performs small miracles each year, with the help of experienced volunteers, to pull off this event with over 40,000 visitors and hundreds of authors. “It’s a lot of organization, and it’s a colossal amount of work to get the ball going. We hope the magic will happen!” she adds. I took away from my interview that the team is dedicated and devoted, ready to go that extra mile to blow you away. Long live the SLO!

CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

Are you passionate about literature? Participate in conferences and round tables hosted by experts in the literary world. These discussions will give you the opportunity to explore real trends, understand the challenges of the industry and interact with other authors. Sommelier Véronique Rivest of Soif Bar à vin invites you to a reception where she’ll suggest wine-book pairings.  The evening of Friday, February 23, the public will be treated to a shortened version of Quartz’s Boom boom, a tribute to Richard Desjardins. All throughout the SLO, podcasts, audiobook excerpts and interviews will also be broadcast on Radio-Hull. You can listen live online or at the Bar à mots area.   

YOUTH IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Young children will have their own literary adventure with interactive workshops, story times and the opportunity to meet their favourite authors. Nearly 50 events will explore the world of children’s literature: books, live illustrations and discussions on a wide range of topics, including video games! There’s something for everyone. You and your family can also take advantage of the story time organized with Lire et faire lire each morning.  

FIRST NATIONS HERITAGE AT ITS BEST

Indigenous presence flourishes at the heart of the SLO, creating a story rich in culture. Indigenous authors bearing the voices of their ancestors share their unique stories and provide an authentic perspective on the heritage and culture of these communities. You’ll discover a mosaic of literature including traditions, reflections and lively dialogue between Indigenous roots and Quebec’s literary scene. Visit the 500 Years of Indigenous Resistance exhibition, based on Gord Hill’s comic book of the same name published by Prise de parole. Take part in writing workshops with Moira-Uashteskun Bacon and JD Kurtness, and discover Indigenous children’s literature and more with Mélissa Mollen Dupuis, Michel Jean, Soleil Launière and Jocelyn Sioui.  

GET YOUR SLO PASS!

DISCOVER THE SLO IN THE REGION 

In addition to traditional on-stage events at the Palais de congrès, the SLO extends its influence to a variety of venues.  A conference led by Michel Jean will be held at the library in the Maison du citoyen. Friday, February 23, the Minotaure is welcoming literary cabaret Résonances poétiques. In the wake of the exhibition about choreographer Fernand Nault, Fernand Nault : une passion, un legs, Jean-Paul Daoust, Élise Turcotte, Mattia Scarpulla and Xénia Gould will put on a performance for the public at Galerie Montcalm that will mark their residency.   

Near the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais, explore the magnificent Jacques-Cartier Park and take a break in nature. Visit the Canadian Museum of History to relive Canada’s past. The streets of Old Hull are also full of good restaurants, such as the Piz’za-za restaurant and wine bar, Le Cellier, the Bistro CoqLicorne, Caméline and many more.   

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Extend your stay and unwind with a good book at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa or the Best Western PLUS Gatineau-Ottawa Hotel and Conference Centre, located close to the SLO. Other welcoming options are also at your disposal, such as the Hilton Lac-Leamy, the Holiday Inn Gatineau-Ottawa and the Ramada Plaza Manoir du Casino. There’s no shortage of choices!