Perth County Reads returns for second season with writer Dan Needles

Author Dan Needles signs copies of his book Finding Larkspur at the Stratford Public Library on June 21, during the launch event for the second annual Perth County Reads program. The community-wide initiative is designed to inspire conversation, connection and a shared love of literature throughout the county.

Libraries across Perth County are once again teaming up to promote reading and community connection through the second annual Perth County Reads program.

The community-wide initiative is designed to inspire conversation, connection and a shared love of literature throughout the county.

This year’s featured title is Finding Larkspur by author and playwright Dan Needles, best known for the beloved Wingfield Farm series. Events and discussions will be held at all Perth County library branches, including the Stratford Public Library.

The season kicked off on June 21 at the Stratford library, where the comical and locally loved Canadian author delighted audiences with stories about life in rural Ontario – starting with his unusual choice of name for his farm.

“I learned that larkspur is a toxic weed in five provinces, and it’s lethal to cattle,” he told the audience. “Why would I call my farm Larkspur? I’m not sure.”

Finding Larkspur explores the modern Canadian village, taking a humorous and thoughtful look at customs and traditions that have endured despite the influence of social media and global corporations.

Needles reflects on the institutions and buildings left over from older rural communities – why they were built, what they meant and how they’ve adapted to today’s world.

At the launch event, he also spoke candidly about the delicate line between writing real people into fiction and respecting their privacy.

“You want to tell the truth, but you have to do it with affection, and there’s a balance between the two,” he said. “You don’t want to be too truthy, or it gets a little bit severe.

“The deepest insult you can hand a person is that they’re not interesting enough to be written about.”

Now in its second year, Perth County Reads invites residents of all ages to read the same book and join in on a series of author talks, book discussions and community events throughout the 2025 season.

The initiative is supported by libraries across Perth County and aims to build community through the power of shared stories.

More information about upcoming events can be found at: perthcountylibraries.ca/pcr2025