The jurors for the 2009 Bolen Books Children‘s Book Prize were:

Thora Howell began her career as a librarian and then a teacher librarian. She was a bookseller in Nanaimo for over 20 years and remains very active in the book community.

Andrea Brimmell is a librarian at the Greater Victoria Public Library. She is the Branch Head of both the Juan de Fuca Library in Colwood and the Goudy Express Branch in Langford. She was a Children‘s Librarian for many years at the Central Library and at the Esquimalt Branch. Andrea is a storyteller who has performed in numerous schools and at community events.

Bill Valgardson has won multiple literary awards in multiple genres. He is a novelist, essayist, playwright, short fiction writer, and children‘s author. He recently retired from the University of Victoria‘s Creative Writing Department.

The jurors for the 2009 City of Victoria Butler Book Prize were:

Sandra Anderson is a librarian. Born and educated in Toronto, she has worked in libraries in Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan. She moved to Victoria in 1995 to accept the position of CEO of the Greater Victoria Public LIbrary. She served in that capacity until she retired in 2006.

Marlyn Horsdal is a respected publisher, editor and writer. She has been active in the book community of BC for over 30 years.

Brian Brett is the author of ten books of poetry and fiction. He writes, teaches and runs a working farm on Salt Spring Island.

Past Jurors

2008

Victor Bosson, children's book illustrator
Megan Scott Owner, Ivy's Bookshop
Abby Ranger assistant editor, Scholastic Press.
Jessica Walker buyer, Munro's Books
Neil McAllister Branch Head, Oak Bay Library.
Kathryn Bridge archivist and manager, British Columbia Archives, Royal BC Museum Corporation.

2007

Jennifer Rowan, Youth Librarian at GVPL
Dave Hill, Manager, Munro’s
George McWhirter, Vancouver author 

2006

Mel Bolen, CEO Bolen Books
Katherine Pearson, Victoria author
Henry Wetselaar, retired librarian

2005

Trevor Carolin, North Vancouver author
Mary Virtue, retired librarian
Neil Williams, owner Williams Books

2004

Barbara Greeniaus
John Moore
Yvonne Sharpe