Almonte Readers & Writers is an incorporated non-profit organization presenting literary events and programs to audiences from across Lanark County

Our Vision

To celebrate the literary arts, build connections between readers and writers, bolster skill-building, and amplify a diverse array of local and visiting artistic voices.

Our Mission

To showcase writers in supportive, engaged, and inclusive settings
To stimulate literary expression and community development through educational programs for literary artists of all ages and identities
To actively engage regional and visiting audiences by uniting readers and writers in conversation, communion, and cultural connection
To prioritize support for writers living in the area, including Almonte, Perth, Carleton Place, and neighbouring communities
To be responsive to the needs and interests of area artists and provide educational opportunities to enhance their writing vocation

Who we are

Almonte Readers & Writers (ARW) is based in the municipality of Mississippi Mills, in the town of Almonte, Ontario, Canada.

As a non-profit service-based arts organization, ARW is proud to present the 2025 Lanark Lit Festival of Writing, the Lanark Lit Writing Competition, as well as other programs, with support of our project partners.

Established in 2023, ARW is co-founded by Jessie Carson and Jenn Snider Cruise, with support from Edith Cody-Rice.

In 2025, ARW’s Board of Directors are Jessie Carson, Jenn Snider Cruise, Elysia Rourke, Ann Shea, and Edith Cody-Rice.

ARW Board of Directors

Jessie Carson is a writer of creative non-fiction, a reader, a facilitator, and the mother of three boys. She teaches Communications at Algonquin College and was a professional writer for over a decade. Currently, she is pursuing her MFA in Creative Non-fiction at Kings University in Nova Scotia. Having been a resident of Almonte for many years, she knows the wealth of talent in the area and is dedicated to showcasing the region’s writers and supporting the growth of the local and neighbouring literary communities.

Jenn Snider Cruise is a multidisciplinary artist and arts administrator with over 20 years of experience as an Executive and Managing Director, coordinator, and facilitator of non-profit and charitable arts and cultural organizations in Toronto, Kingston, and Ottawa. She has an MA from OCAD University (2015). She lives in Perth, Ontario, Canada with her son, and partner.

Elysia Rourke is a middle grade author and stay at home mom. Her debut novel, Whale Fall, is slated for publication with Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books in 2026. She lives in Almonte, Ontario with her husband, two sons, and dog. Her writing can be found at www.elysiarourke.com.

Ann Shea (bio coming soon)

Edith Cody-Rice is the publisher of the online newspaper The Millstone, where she serves as publisher and contributing editor. A retired lawyer, Edith has had a lifelong interest in and appreciation for literature and journalism. She is a former chair and director of the Writers Trust of Canada and a former director of the Michener Awards Foundation which grants an annual award for outstanding investigative journalism and fellowships to journalists. She was a founding director of the Ottawa International Writers Festival, the Ottawa Valley Writers Festival, and director of the George Woodcock Fund. She also served on the board of the Canadian Writers Foundation which provides financial aid to writers. Edith lives in Almonte.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land on which Almonte Readers & Writers operates is the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. Today, this land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples, and we are grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and gather here. Together, may we care for this land and each other.

Our Funders

ARW gratefully acknowledges the 2025 funding support of:

Our Supporters

ARW is thankful for the support of the following community patrons, partners, and supporters:

Community patron

Community partner

Community supporter