Anansi's publisher Leigh Nash and Groundwood's publisher Karen Li reflect on 2022. 

It’s been an exciting and eventful year at House of Anansi and Groundwood Books. We know we’re not alone in feeling like the world threw open its doors in 2022—and everyone, everything, and every imaginable emotion came flooding in. It’s been a lot! 

As relatively new publishers at the company—Karen joined Groundwood in 2020 and Leigh joined Anansi in April 2022—we cherished the ability to get out, to travel near and far, and to finally meet face-to-face with the incredibly talented and passionate people who write, illustrate, translate, print, promote, and sell our books—as well as so many of you who read them. 

The reopening of our office has also been gratifying. Although most of our staff have the option of working from home some days, many come into the office regularly. We’ve enjoyed the pleasure of everyone’s company as well as the buzz of in-person collaboration. Every book is built on a series of conversations. And having them over a shared set of page proofs or a cup of coffee is a delight we’ll never take for granted again.

With the reopening of our office came the reopening of our bookstore. It’s a special place for us—filled with the work of our colleagues and evoking all the creatives connected to the storied pasts of House of Anansi and Groundwood Books. It’s honestly a privilege to breathe it in every time we come to work.

It’s also become clear what a special place this is for our community on Sterling Road. We’ve received so many warm wishes on our reopening and welcome you to stop by and soak up all the great bookish vibes! While you’re in the neighbourhood, grab a mix pack from Henderson or some bombolini from Spaccio—both upstairs from the bookstore. (How lucky are we?)

And we remain grateful for the virtual community that’s grown over the course of the pandemic too—thank you so much for taking the time to say hi, to share our posts, and read our books! 

It’s hard to believe that we’re already rushing into the excitement of the holiday season, which is such an important time for independent businesses. So thank you for your support now, as well all the ways you’ve shown up this past year —both in person and online. Your creative collaboration, your business, your presence in our lives have made this a transformative year for House of Anansi and Groundwood Books—and for us! 

Leigh and Karen

Banner photo: Jeremie Warshafsky

Portraits: Laura Chapnick-Klein