---
title: "Fraser River Literary Festival brings 32 authors to Coquitlam and New Westminster through November 8"
description: "Coquitlam Public Library and New Westminster Public Library have launched the first Fraser River Literary Festival, running November 1 to 8 with 24 events, 32 local authors, and two gala evenings. Most events are free."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/bc/coquitlam-2026/news/fraser-river-literary-festival-coquitlam-november-2026"
last_updated: "2026-11-04T16:49:48.476Z"
---

Coquitlam Public Library and New Westminster Public Library have launched the first Fraser River Literary Festival, running through November 8 with 32 local authors and 24 events across both cities, Freshet News reported on November 3.

The festival runs November 1 to 8, 2026. Events take place at library branches, bookstores, theatres, and businesses in Coquitlam and New Westminster. The program includes book launches, workshops, readings, open mic nights, and panel discussions.

## What the festival offers

Caitlin MacRae, a programming librarian at New Westminster Public Library, told Freshet News the festival is "an opportunity for everyone not only to listen and celebrate local authors but also to learn and participate too."

Each library runs 12 events. Most are free.

Theresa McManus, a Local Journalism Initiative reporter, covered the festival for Freshet News on November 3, 2026.

## The gala events

Two gala evenings anchor the week.

The Writer's Chair runs on Thursday, November 5 at Anvil Centre in New Westminster. Booker Prize-nominated author Maria Reva joins JJ Lee in conversation. The event is free.

Cocktails and Conversations takes place on Saturday, November 7 at Evergreen Arts. Authors Janie Chang, Tanya Boteju, and Katrina Kwan take part, with Ryan Murphy moderating. Tickets are $20 and registration is required.

## How to attend

The full event listing and registration are at [coqlibrary.ca/frlf/](https://coqlibrary.ca/frlf/). The festival runs until November 8, 2026. Most events are free to attend; the Saturday gala requires a $20 ticket and registration.

The festival is a joint effort by Coquitlam Public Library and New Westminster Public Library. It is the first time the two libraries have run a joint literary festival. The full schedule, including registration links for each event, is at coqlibrary.ca/frlf/. Registration is required for the Saturday gala; most other events across both cities do not require it.

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/bc/coquitlam-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.