Toronto-based author Margaret Atwood asked people to sign an online petition aimed at preventing cuts to public library branches. City councillor Doug Ford responded, saying, 'I don't even know her.' (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

Venerable Canadian author Margaret Atwood, unwittingly embroiled in a war of words with a Toronto city councillor over proposed cuts to city libraries, has taken a cheeky online swipe at the Ford brothers.

Last week, in response to the literary icon's defence of Toronto's library system, city councillor Doug Ford, brother of Mayor Rob Ford, brushed aside Atwood's take on the debate.

"Good luck to Margaret Atwood. I don’t even know her. She could walk right by me, I wouldn’t have a clue who she is,” the councillor said of the CanLit legend, who has fast become known as a fierce public-libraries crusader.

Ford's remarks triggered a flood of mockery from some of Atwood's 225,200 Twitter followers, and inspired Chapters Indigo book retailers across Canada to offer a 30 per-cent discount off all Atwood titles to library card holders.

'I get in too much trouble as it is'

But it was Atwood who largely remained silent while away for a week "in the woods" and without access to a computer, only offering a light online zinger — replete with smiley-face emoticon — on Tuesday.

Taking to Twitter, Atwood responded to calls for her to run in a tongue-in-cheek "Atwood for Mayor" campaign.

“Noo, not running for mayor ... too old. Used to think too ignorant, but that hasn’t stopped some," she tweeted, followed by a wide-smiley emoticon. "Appreciate the kind thoughts however!”

The Toronto-based author also added: "OK, STOP me from drawing a Twin FordMayor(s) Comic Strip! I get in too much trouble as it is!”

Ford was quick to dismiss public opinions that he was ignorant about one of Canada's most celebrated novelists, later calling Atwood a "great writer" but clarifying that most people would likely not have recognized her in public.