Victoria’s literary scene was celebrated this week, as three Victoria writers received $15,000 in prizes at the Victoria Book Prizes Society’s 2025 awards.
The awards were hosted by BC’s Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia at the Government House on Tuesday, November 18th, to highlight literary excellence in the community.
Established in 2004, the Victoria Book Prizes Society holds this annual competition for local writers who have lived in the Capital Regional District (CRD) for more than two years.
Three main awards were given out: the City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize, the City of Victoria’s Book Prize, and the DC Reid Poetry Book Prize.
Each winner received $5,000.
Uma Krishnaswami received the City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize for her children’s book, Birds on the Brain, published by House of Anansi. The story follows Reeni, a young bird lover who must save her city’s bird count event when the mayor threatens to shut it down.
Barbara Black received the City of Victoria’s Book Prize for her collection of short stories, Little Fortified Stories, which conjures a microcosm of characters who defy convention.
Melanie Siebert received the DC Reid Poetry Book Prize for poetry collection Signal Infinities, which embodies human suffering and environmental collapse, human resilience and the buoyancy of water.
“Victoria’s writers enrich our community with their creativity and insight,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.
“The Book Prizes remind us that our local literary scene is vibrant and inspiring.”
The Victoria Book Prizes were recently on the City’s budgetary chopping block, but will continue on in 2026 despite some pushback.
