A Look Back at Battle of the Books
Burlington Public Library’s annual Battle of the Books returns this April. This Jeopardy-style book trivia tournament for students has been part of Burlington’s story since the mid-1980s. Over the years, generations of elementary school students, supported by their teachers and parents, have taken part in this friendly literary competition—and we look forward to it each year.
As we get ready for the 2026 edition, here’s a look at how it all began.
Pineland Public School versus Frontenac Public School, 1990. Burlington Digital Archive
Opening Round
A literary radio quiz sponsored by the Chicago Public Library inspired the first Battle of the Books to take place in the United States. The program’s popularity inspired Oakville Public Library to become the first in Halton Region to launch its own tournament in 1983, and it was an immediate hit.
According to annual reports from the time, planning for BPL’s inaugural tournament began in August 1985, with the first official Burlington Battle of the Books held in April 1986.
St. John’s Catholic Elementary School beat Trinity Christian School for the inaugural win. No public elementary schools participated in the first year.
The second annual battle featured ten Burlington schools, including public, Catholic, and private schools. The Halton Region Grand Battle also began in 1987. This regional tournament brought together winning teams from each Halton municipality to compete—a tradition that continues today!
Canadian Martyrs versus W.I. Dick, 1992. Burlington Digital Archive
By the 1990s, Battle of the Books was in full force. The Canadian Martyrs Catholic Elementary School senior team started the first Burlington winning streak. They won six years in a row from 1990 to 1996.
In 1998, 130 students participated, and 1999 finished the decade off strongly with 144 total participants. In 1999, youth in homeschooling programs participated for the first time.
The Battles did not slow down in the 2000s. Instead, 2002 broke previous participation records with 16 junior teams and 14 senior teams testing their literary knowledge. Sponsored that year by Susan and Ralph Sgro, owners of McDonald's Burlington, special guest Ronald McDonald hosted the awards ceremony! It was a banner year for Burington, with the John T. Tuck Senior Team becoming Halton Regional Senior Champions.
Ronald McDonald announces John T. Tuck Public School as Battle of the Books Winners, 2002. Burlington Digital Archive
Still Going Strong
Since then, many more special memories have been made at this annual tournament. Battle of the Books continues as a tradition that inspires our local youth to be excited about reading and show off their school pride.
You can view more photographs of Battle of the Books and other library history from the Burlington Public Library fonds in the Burlington Digital Archive.
Main image: "St. John's students celebrate after winning a book reading competition with Trinity Christian School." Burlington Gazette, April 29, 1986, page 9.
