46e Salon du livre de l'Outaouais : all hopes are given
In 2025, at the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais (SLO), all hopes are permitted! Join us at the Palais des congrès de Gatineau for a host of activities, under the honorary presidency of Dominique Fortier, author of La part de l’océan. You’ll have the opportunity to dive into an ocean of books, explore the latest creations by authors from the region, Quebec and Canada, exchange ideas with publishers whose passion is contagious, and discover the hidden treasures of publishing houses. From captivating novels to haunting collections of poetry and provocative essays, the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais offers a complete literary experience.
Palais des congrès de Gatineau, 50 Maisonneuve Blvd. Maisonneuve, 3rd floor, Gatineau
February 20 to 23, 2025

BEHIND THE SCENES AT SLO
Did you know that the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais is organized months in advance? That is, as early as spring, in preparation for the February kick-off. Fewer than 10 people work heart and soul to prepare the best possible experience for you. I had a chance to chat with Lisanne Rheault-Leblanc, artistic director of the SLO and the Maison des arts littéraires. Lisanne, whom I affectionately refer to as the “orchestra conductor of the program”, allows me to give you a glimpse behind the scenes of this major literary event. For her, the SLO is her baby. “It’s a tsunami of books that’s coming, but we ride it out with great pleasure. There’s never a dull moment, from the conception of the event to its realization!” she tells me.
Lisanne describes herself as the literary matchmaker. She makes sure that everything goes according to plan, and that there’s a perfect match between the authors on stage, so that the audience is delighted. With an average of 40,000 visitors and hundreds of authors every year, she confides that the team manages to work small miracles every year, thanks in no small part to the help of experienced volunteers. “It’s a lot of organization and a lot of work to get this big machine up and running. We hope the magic will happen,” she adds. What I learned from my interview is that the team is dedicated and ready to do anything to give you a good time. Long live the SLO!
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

Are you passionate about literature? Attend conferences and round tables led by experts from the literary world. These discussions will allow you to explore current literary trends, understand the challenges of the book industry and interact with authors. Attend a brunch lecture on social mobility with Jean-Philippe Pleau, take part in a discussion on translation issues with Dominique Fortier, take part in a round-table discussion on Gaza with Guillaume Lavallée and Camille Marquis-Bissonnette, and enjoy a reading performance by Catherine Lalonde.
YOUTH IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Younger readers will have their own literary adventure, with interactive workshops, storytelling sessions and the chance to meet authors. Nearly 50 events will provide an overview of children’s literature: books, live illustrations and discussions on a variety of subjects! There’s something for everyone. You and your family can also enjoy story time with Philippe Béna organized by Lire et faire lire, take part in a poetry workshop and enjoy the presence of actors and actresses from the show Cirkus!
FIRST NATIONS HERITAGE AT ITS BEST
At the heart of SLO, the Aboriginal presence flourishes, creating a culturally rich narrative. Aboriginal authors, who carry ancestral voices, share their unique stories and offer you an authentic perspective on the heritage and diversity of these communities. You’ll discover a literary mosaic of traditions, reflections and a lively dialogue between Aboriginal roots and Quebec’s literary scene. Attend photographer Serge Jauvin’s Aitnanipan exhibition on an Innu family, take part in Autour du feu activities and stop by the Je lis autochtone stand.
GET YOUR SLO PASS!
The 46th edition of the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais invites you to embark on an unforgettable literary adventure. It’s an opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for reading, share recommendations and celebrate the richness of literary culture.
REGULAR PASSPORT BRACELETS: Teen (12-17) - $9 | Student (with valid ID) - $11 | Adult - $16 | Golden Age (60+) - $13 DAILY ENTRANCES Child (12 and under) - Free | Teen - $6 | Student - $8 | Adult - $11 | Golden Age (60+) - $9 | Family pass (2 adult admissions and 2 child or teen admissions) - $25
On February 20 and 21, 2025, Accès Gatineau cardholders, Réseau BIBLIO de l'Outaouais and Chelsea library users benefit from a special 2-for-1 rate, with free admission from 3 pm to 8 pm for people aged 60 and over.
DISCOVER THE SLO'S OUT-OF-WALL SHOWS
In addition to the traditional on-stage entertainment at the Palais des Congrès, the SLO extends its influence to a variety of venues.
On February 17, join us in Salle Jean-Despréz for a talk by France Bélisle, the first woman to be elected mayor, on topics such as power games, the behind-the-scenes aspects of being mayor and the pressure of social media.
On February 20, attend L’impossibilité d’écrire, a free literary performance at Le Minotaure. Authors Sarah-Louise Pelletier-Morin and Ann Gaspe bring to the stage a dialogue on their posture as writers. Discover their vision of the writer’s life and its reality in the contemporary world.
On February 21, Galerie UQO welcomes poet Catherine Lalonde, who will read aloud all her books in chronological order.
On February 21, bring the classics to life in Salle Jean-Despréz with NAC Director Mani Soleymanlou and Fanny Britt, co-authors of Classique(s).
On February 22, join La Petite Soif for an evening of wine and book pairings. Sip wines carefully selected by sommelier Véronique Rivest while listening to readings of excerpts delivered by Véronique Sylvain, Olivier Guez and Marie Laberge. Reserve now, places are very limited!
On February 22, take a behind-the-scenes look at the Prix des libraires du Québec at the Bouquinart bookstore.
On February 22, take your seat at the Canadian Museum of History’s Ciné+ to see Bergers, a film based on the book D’où viens-tu, berger? by Mathyas Lefebure. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the film’s author and co-writer.
On February 23, visit Galerie Montcalm and pay tribute to Outaouais poet José Claer.
On February 24, prolong the SLO with the screening of the documentary Pour la suite du monde at Salle Jean-Després. This event is organized in collaboration with Ciné Jonction and the French Theatre at the National Arts Centre
See the full program for all off-site events.
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Extend your stay by reading a good book at the Four Points by Sheraton & Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa, or the Best Western PLUS Gatineau-Ottawa Hotel and Conference Centre, located close to the Show. Other equally inviting options include the Hilton du Leamy Lake, the Holiday Inn Gatineau-Ottawa, and the Ramada Plaza Manoir du Casino. There’s no shortage of choice!