Hundreds of people came out to enjoy Word on The Street on Saturday, September 17, 2022 (Photo: LNN)

By Drew Stremick

Word on the Street attracts hundreds of literary lovers to downtown Lethbridge

Sep 18, 2022 | 4:00 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Word on The Street took place in Lethbridge on the afternoon of September 17, 2022. Hundreds of people attended the event, which featured plenty of activities for readers of all ages.

Elisabeth Hegerat, Manager of Community and Economic Advancement with the Lethbridge Public Library, says it’s wonderful to be able to welcome people back in person to Word on The Street.

“It is really fantastic to be back inside and see everybody face to face,” said Hegerat. “We were really glad to still be able to carry on online the last two years. But it’s a different experience, and kind of energy than we’ve got outside on [the] street here today.”

Hegerat continued, saying events like Word on The Street provide unique opportunities for people in Lethbridge to meet authors from all across Canada.

“It is a phenomenal chance to be able to bring in some great authors from all across the country and celebrate some of our own local authors as well,” Hegerat explained. “The fact that it is an all Canadian event, all about celebrating the Canadian literary scene, written and spoken word in all its forms.”

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Author, illustrator, and cartoonist Gillian Goerz speaking to attendees at Word on The Street, September 17, 2022. (Photo: LNN)

Gillian Goerz is an illustrator, writer, and cartoonist who lives in Lethbridge. Goerz wrote and illustrated “Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer” and “Shirley & Jamila’s Big Fall”.

Goerz told reporters that being able to participate in events like Word on the Street has been an unexpected perk of being an author.

“It’s so exciting to see the whole community come out. There’s music, there’s so many different authors, and the idea of just bringing books and reading and excitement around reading to the street is awesome,” Goerz said. “It’s like everybody is accessible for everyone, and it’s just dynamite.”

One of the things Goerz likes most about creating graphic novels is that it has become a great way to encourage more people to read.

“It’s a real treat to be here as a comic artist at Word on The Street, and being able to see so many kids get so excited about graphic novels,” Goerz explained. “They’re such a nice bridge to early literacy for kids, where you know, hesitant readers, or people who are taking their time getting into reading can at least grab on to the storytelling elements that the pictures bring.”

Attendees at the event said they were excited that events like Word on The Street were back to being in person. They expressed how important it is for events like this to take place, as they help foster a greater sense of community.

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Attendees lined up to meet authors, have their faces painted, and participate in other activities at Word on the Street in Lethbridge, September 17, 2022 (Photo: LNN)