Writer in Residence

The Writer plays a creative and valuable role at the Library, using their experience to foster a greater public appreciation for Canadian writing. They provide the community with opportunities to interact with and learn from a published writer, especially communities not typically exposed to Canadian writing.

The Writer in Residence will develop and lead exciting public events that promote a love of writing and reading. They will support and provide advice to community members and aspiring writers through one-on-one consultations and group workshops.

This full-time position (35 hours/week) requires 50 percent of the Writer’s time be spent on library programs or projects, leaving 50 percent of the residency time available for working on their writing projects.

The Library would like to hear from you if you are:

• A published Canadian writer with experience as a teacher, workshop leader, mentor, writer-in-residence, or editor
• Enthusiastic about developing, presenting, and sharing your knowledge and craft through events with Vancouver Public Library. Events may be held in person, online, or both in order to maximize accessibility
• Committed to participating in Vancouver Public Library and City of Vancouver events
• Currently working on a writing project
• Available on a full-time basis for the residency, a two-week planning period in Spring or Summer 2025, and September 1 through December 6, 2025

In addition to your writing and public speaking experience you must also be able to:

• Work independently and as part of a team with library staff
• Comfortably interact with members of Vancouver’s diverse public, including youth and seniors
• Deliver programs and one-on-one consultations in-person and online, if required, working remotely through online environments, such as Zoom. VPL staff will be available to provide support for delivery of online programs
• Participate in media opportunities to promote the residency, the library and Canadian writing
• Prepare for and meet deadlines

The Writer in Residence will have three main responsibilities:

• Spend time developing their own writing project
• Lead creative writing classes and cultural events for the general public of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland
• Support and assist new writers through online one-on-one meetings and group workshops

Contract terms: $22,000 for four months full-time activity ($5,500 per month on a self-employed basis).

Contract dates: Two-week planning window, Summer 2025 and September 1 through December 6, 2025

Please send us:

• A resume outlining your relevant qualifications, teaching/facilitation experience, and publications
• A cover letter expanding on your experience and vision for the residency, including a description of your experience with and approach to one-on-one mentorship.
• An outline of the public events you will offer during your residency. Generally, an outline of up to four classroom-style creative-writing classes is expected. Course descriptions for the kind of writing classes we run at the library can be found HERE.  
• A brief description of the writing project you intend to pursue – explain how a residency at the Vancouver Public Library and access to its resources will benefit your project
• A sample of up to 5 pages of recent writing
• Contact information for three references. Your references will only be contacted if you are shortlisted

In recognition of systemic barriers faced by equity-denied groups, we encourage applications from Indigenous, Black and racialized writers, those with a disability and members of the trans and non-binary community, among other marginalized groups. Accordingly, applicants are invited to self-identify in their cover letter.

Expressions of interest may be emailed in PDF format to programs@vpl.ca.
Completed applications must be received by 5 pm (PST) on Friday, March 28, 2025.

If you have questions, contact Andrew Battershill at andrew.battershill@vpl.ca