Meet Jaime Burnet!
Jaime Burnet is a local author and labour, employment, and human rights lawyer. Last year, in April of 2025, Jaime launched her second novel, milktooth, published by Vagrant Press. Her first novel Crocuses Hatch from Snow, also published by Vagrant Press, was shortlisted for the Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award and the ReLit Award. Last month I had the opportunity to chat with Jaime regarding her interactions with the public library.
How can librarians make the library a more comfortable space for local authors?
1. Last Summer you joined Niko Stratis for her launch of The Dad Rock that Made me a Woman, could you take me through the process of how that event was organized.
The event was organized by the King’s Co-op Bookstore. Paul MacKay, the Bookstore’s manager, reached out to ask if I would interview Niko after she suggested me. I’m a big fan of Niko’s writing, so I was very excited to take part.
2. Compared to your book launch at Cafe Lara, how welcoming was the library space? How comfortable did you feel in that space?
Both spaces were lovely. The staff at Café Lara were wonderful, as were the library staff. Elliott Gish, who is an Adult Specialist at the Halifax Central Library and talented local author, was the Library point-person and did an excellent job of facilitating the event and making people feel welcome and comfortable in the space.
3. Did HPL reach out to you regarding your work as an author? Have you reached out to HPL, as an author?
Neither! Though I should probably do that.
4. In a dream situation, how would you like to show off your work in a library setting?
Libraries are such vital and radical spaces. I’d love to take part in a panel with other authors at a library, especially other queer authors. I was part of a small panel, Queering the Countryside, with local author Rose Sutherland at the Bridgewater Library during Lunenburg Pride, which was lovely. Talking about books and writing with other authors and readers is always special for me.
Readers can purchase Jaime’s works from the King’s Co-Op Bookstore, or any reputable book seller. Her novels are also available at the Halifax Public Library and the Killam Memorial Library. If you would like to learn more about Jaime Burnet’s work and writing please check out her website, jaimeburnet.com!