Dates with Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje up for grabs in Toronto library contest (we’re looking at you, Doug Ford)

Doug Ford better start brushing up on his writing chops (because this might be a surefire way for him to finally figure out who Margaret Atwood is): Toronto’s Public Library Workers Union is offering lunch and a “literary-themed outing” with Atwood to winners of its My Library Matters to Me competition. The contest is a response to the recent discussion of service cuts at city hall—and Ford’s, shall we say, candour on the subject of Canadian literary icons—and invites Toronto residents to express their love of the city’s libraries in essay or video form. Of course, Ford did eventually clarify that when he said he wouldn’t know Atwood if she passed him on the street he actually meant that she’s a great writer and, naturally, everyone knows who she is. So get cracking, Doug: other prizes include dates with Michael Ondaatje, Sylvia Fraser and Susan Swan. Read the entire story [Toronto Star] »