Eva Jurczyk, a writer and librarian living in Toronto, joins us to talk about her novel, The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. Liesl Weiss long ago learned to be content working behind the scenes in the distinguished rare books department of a large university, managing details to make the head of the department look good. But when her boss has a stroke and she’s left to run things, she discovers that the library’s most prized and valuable manuscript is missing. Liesl tries to sound the alarm and inform the police about the missing priceless book but is told repeatedly to keep quiet, to keep the doors open and the donors happy. But then a librarian unexpectedly stops showing up to work. Liesl must investigate both disappearances, unspooling her colleagues’ pasts like the threads of a rare book binding as it becomes clear that someone in the department must be responsible.

Eva Jurczyk discusses her new book, The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, a debut novel about a woman struggling to step out from behind the shadows of powerful and unreliable men and reveals the dark edge of obsession running through the most devoted book worms. In conversation with Kerry Clare (Waiting for a Star to Fall).

Watch a short video of Eva describing her book here.

About this event’s guests:
Eva Jurczyk
Kerry Clare

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Eva Jurczyk: The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections