Mandate:

The Forest of Reading has nine individual selection committees that are tasked with selecting the annual nominated lists for children and adults. After reviewing all applications, the OLA appoints the committees to read, reviews and recommend Canadian books that meet the selection criteria and are deemed to be the best available titles for a given year, in a given program.

• Terms of Reference – Selection Committee
• Terms of Reference – Selection Committee Chairs
• Selection Committee Timeline & Reading Requirements Chart
• Forest of Reading Selection Policy

Note: OLA strives to ensure that its staff, committees, and councils are diverse and inclusive in order to best serve the Ontario library community. There is immense value in bringing together various perspectives and ideas. OLA seeks out participation from members with different library experience; members from all regions of Ontario; Indigenous Peoples; and members with diverse backgrounds including but not limited to age, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and ability. If you have any questions about getting involved, please contact the OLA staff liaison for the committee/council.

Reading Timelines

The timeline for each Award varies due to the reading demands for each program. Below is the schedule of reading:

• Blue Spruce – April to June
• Silver Birch – January to August
• Yellow Cedar – December to July
• Red Maple – October to August
• White Pine – October to August
• Le prix Peuplier – July
• Le prix Mélèze (formerly Le prix Tamarac Express) – March to August
• Le prix Tamarac – March to August
• Evergreen – February to December

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted all year round, however Chairs will select the committees based on applications up until the dates below

• Blue Spruce – February 1
• Silver Birch – November 1
• Yellow Cedar – November 1
• Red Maple – October 1
• White Pine – October 1
• Le prix Peuplier – January 1
• Le prix Mélèze (formerly Le prix Tamarac Express) – January 1
• Le prix Tamarac – January 1
• Evergreen – February 1