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'Dear Reader': Vancouver libraries offer Taylor Swift reading list, Swiftie kids' parties

The VPL is entering its Swift Era (and we don't mean Johnathan)
Brendan Kergin
Brendan Kergin
taylor-swift-books-list
Clockwise from top left: "Taylor Swift: This Is Our Song," "Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs," "Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras," and "Taylor Era by Era: The Unauthorized Biography."Simon & Schuster/Penguin Books

Vancouver is in its Taylor Swift Era right now, and, to that end, the local library is helping fans connect with the pop star (through books) and each other.

The Vancouver Public Library has dozens of Taylor Swift items in its catalogue, from a CD full of lullaby covers of Swift songs to a songbook of Swift songs for ukuleles.

And Swift books are going gangbusters at the library.

"Almost all our books about Taylor Swift are out, and there is a waiting list for most titles," the library's collections team tells V.I.A.

The Taylor Swift book list

Now they've released a curated list of 10 essential books for Swifties as the city prepares for the Eras Tour to arrive at BC Place Dec. 6 to 8.

"From behind-the-scenes biographies and song inspiration deep dives to cultural critiques and retrospectives on her impact across "eras" of pop culture, these books celebrate Swift's journey through music, fame, and creative expression," reads the list's webpage.

Titles on the list include Taylor Swift: This Is Our Song (which brings together articles and photos from throughout Swift's career), Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs (which goes through more than 200 of Swift's songs), and Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras (which breaks down her fashion and impact on how people dress - written by Vancouverite Sarah Chapelle).

While the tour is only in town for three nights, the books on the list are available "Forever and Always."

Here's the full list:

  • Taylor Swift: This Is Our Song by Tyler Conroy
  • Taylor Swift: In Her Own Words edited by Helena Hunt
  • Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs by Annie Zaleski
  • Taylor Swift: Style Fashion Through the Eras by Sarah Chapelle
  • Taylor Swift: The Whole Story: the Fully Updated Unauthorized Biography by Chas Newkey-Burden
  • Taylor Era by Era: The Unauthorized Biography by Caroline Sullivan
  • Taylor Swift Is Life: A Superfan's Guide to All Things We Love About Taylor Swift by Kathleen Perricone
  • Into the Taylor-verse: Taylor Swift's Songwriting Eras by Satu Fox
  • Inside Taylor Nation: True Encounters With Taylor Swift by Sarah Oliver
  • Taylor Swift by Holly C. Corbett

Parties for Swifties

For fans of Taylor Swift born during her after her Speak Now era and before her Evermore era (essentially children currently in elementary school), the VPL is hosting a few Swiftie parties.

"These events allow young Swifties (ranging between grade K-7) to have an open and inviting space to make friends and bond with other fans," the VPL tells V.I.A.

Each will have trivia, a sticker-making spot, friendship bracelets and more.

There's one party before the Eras Tour Vancouver shows, on Wednesday, Dec. 4. It runs from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the West Point Grey Branch and is for kids in Grades 4 to 7.

On Friday, Dec. 12, another will be held at the Oakridge branch from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for Grades K to 7.

The last will be Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Hastings Branch from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for Grades 4 to 7.

Each is free to attend, but registration beforehand is required.

Vancouver libraries as Taylor Swift outfits

At the same time, the library has shared an Instagram series with 10 of the VPL branches matched up with 10 of Swift's famed concert outfits.