Kawartha Lakes Readers’ Choice Awards: Shortlist Announced!

The Kawartha Lakes Readers’ Choice Awards are back, and we are excited to share this year’s official shortlist! These annual awards celebrate the books that captured our community’s attention over the past year. By highlighting the most locally read titles in our catalogue, the Library curates a shortlist that reflects what our readers loved most.

Each year, we feature three categories: Adult, Teens, and Kids, with a range of sub-categories under each. Whether you are into mysteries, heartwarming family stories, bold new voices, or imaginative children’s reads, there’s something for everyone on the list.

Explore the Shortlist

The full shortlist is now available on our website. We encourage you to browse the titles, place holds, and borrow the books that interest you. This is the perfect time to discover something new or catch up on a popular title you might have missed! 

Voting Is Now Open!

Voting for the Kawartha Lakes Readers’ Choice Awards is officially open! You can cast your vote in several convenient ways:

• Pick up a voting booklet at any public library branch
• Download and print a voting booklet from our website
• Vote online through our digital voting form

Voting will remain open until February 28, 2026. Your vote helps decide which books will be crowned the winners. Winners will be announced in March 2026.

Celebrate Reading With Us

The Readers’ Choice Awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the power of stories and the joy of reading in Kawartha Lakes. Borrow a book from the shortlist, read it, and make your voice heard by voting for your favourites!