The Fernie Heritage Library Presents:

Writer and Historian Lynne Bowen on Thursday June 7th at 7pm at the library.
Everyone Welcome ~

Whoever Gives us BreadWhoever Gives us Bread

Lynne Bowen will read from her book Whoever Gives us Bread The Story of Italians in British Columbia (2011)

Italian emigration has been described "as the largest exodus ever from one European nation," a situation so extreme that one writer has called it 'well-nigh expulsion.'" Millions of Italians emigrated from a land they had no wish to leave, from a climate and terrain essential to their being.
Fleeing grinding poverty they went to other European countries and to South America, Australia, the United States and Canada. Whoever Gives Us Bread tells the story of the Italians who came to British Columbia. Lured at first by California gold in the 1850s, they came north to the isolated valleys and cities of the province to pan for gold, raise cattle, dig coal, fell timber, build railroads, smelt copper and refine lead, and start small businesses.
Although British Columbia was desperate for workers,its citizens viewed Italians as undesirables immigrants. Canadian lawmakers were equally ambivalent. Whoever Gives Us Bread shows what the immigrants endured and how they became valued citizens over the course of the next 150 years.

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Fernie Writers' Conference 2012

Polar Peek Books is the official bookstore of the Fernie Writers’ Conference and every year we host a wine and cheese reception at the store in Fernie’s historic downtown.

Welcome to Polar Peek Books & Treasures

Polar Peek Books Polar Peek Books and Treasures, Fernie's independent book store has been a part of Fernie since 1993. You will find a unique selection of books, gifts, award-winning toys, guide books & maps, stationary and special treasures.

Contact us to place a special order at 250-423-3736 or email us to place your special order.

Polar Peek Books and Treasures is open everyday and is located in Fernie's Historic Downtown - 592 2nd Ave.

Spring Hours:
Monday through Thursday & Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 6:00pm
Sunday 12:00am - 5:00pm