Preserving a Piece of Canadian Literary History

For 15 years, Peter Gzowski and CBC’s Morningside didn’t just share stories – they shaped them. Peter Gzowski and Hal Wake worked side by side on CBC’s Morningside radio program - Gzowski as host and Wake as book producer - introducing Canadians to authors and ideas that shaped the nation’s literary landscape. Their collaboration helped make Morningside a cultural touchstone. Now, thanks to Wake’s generosity and Gzowski’s connection to Trent, the University will preserve that shared legacy through the Gzowski College Book Collection.

Why it Matters 

The collection began with books featured on Morningside and expanded far beyond - becoming a significant archive of Canadian literature. Curated and generously donated by the late Hal Wake - former Morningside book producer and past artistic director of the Vancouver Writers Festival - this collection reflects decades of Canadian thought and creativity.  

Wake spent months cataloguing 1,691 works, many signed, rare, and representing voices that have defined national conversations. From first-edition novels to small-press gems, these books tell the story of Canadian storytelling and the people who brought those stories to life. 

Preserving this collection at Trent ensures students, scholars, alumni, and community members can explore the stories behind the broadcast - and beyond. It’s a living archive of Canadian culture, offering insight into the literary voices that shaped our past and continue to influence our future. 

Here’s how you can make an impact:

• $17.74/month keeps one book thriving by covering shipping, shelving, and ongoing care. 

• $709.60 one-time gift brings an entire bookshelf to life by covering the costs to ship, shelve, and preserve dozens of books.     

Your generosity will help us safeguard this unique piece of Canadian cultural history and make it accessible to students, alumni, staff, and the wider community.  

Give today and help keep the story alive. 

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