The Candy Palmater Show

How a library helped Richard Wagamese become a writer

He first visited a public library at the age of 16, seeking shelter and refuge from a life on the streets.
Richard Wagamese (Debra Powell)

Richard Wagamese has had a successful career as a journalist and author. His books, including Indian Horse and Medicine Walk, have earned him accolades across Canada.

But Richard may never have become a writer, were it not for the kindness of a group of librarians in St. Catharines, Ontario, where he stumbled into the public library at the age of 16, seeking shelter and refuge from a life on the streets.

Richard talks to Candy about books that shaped him as a reader and a writer, and gives an update on an upcoming movie based on one of his books.