Ian Colford, Assistant Librarian Collections, continues to make the news as a literary celebrity. His book of short stories Evidence has just been shortlisted for the “Margaret and John Savage First Book Award”, one of the 2009 Atlantic Book Awards. Winners will be announced April 15, at a gala celebration at the Alderney Landing Theatre in Dartmouth, co-hosted by actor / humorist Bill Carr and CBC Radio host and author Stephanie Domet (winner of the 2008 Margaret and John Savage First Book Award).

Evidence has also been shortlisted for the prestigious 2009 Thomas H. Raddall Atlantic Fiction Prize ($15,000). The award recognizes the best work of fiction written by a native or resident Atlantic Canadian published in the previous calendar year. The finalist will be announced during Atlantic Ink: The Writers Festival May 4-9, 2009.

In the meantime Ian will be giving two readings: the first at 7 pm on March 18 at the SMU Art Gallery (with Montreal writer Harold Hoefle), and again on March 19 at 8 pm at the Carleton on Argyle St. (with Dal English Professor Darryl Whetter). Can’t make either one? Listen to an interview with Ian on Take 5, CIUT 85.9 FM instead.

Congratulations Ian!