Hamilton Public Library invites the community into a world of provocative short stories with this year's Hamilton Reads selection, the celebrated Chrysalis by Hamilton author Anuja Varghese.
Winner of the 2023 Governor General's Literary Award, Chrysalis is a collection of genre- blending stories of transformation and belonging that centre around women of colour, queerness, family and community.
Hamilton Reads is HPL's biggest book club and members can visit a branch to borrow a physical copy of Chrysalis or borrow an eBook or downloadable audiobook narrated by the author.
"I'm so honoured Chrysalis is the Hamilton Reads 2024 title," said Varghese. "This community has always enthusiastically supported my work and truly means so much to me as a local author. With Chrysalis, many entry points are woven into the book, from feminist fiction and marginalized identities to playing with the elements of horror, fantasy, and fairy tale. I hope this year's Hamilton Reads events inspire folks who might not normally pick up a short story collection to try it. I can't wait to share these stories with Hamilton readers over the next few months in some fun ways.”
As part of the celebration, Hamilton Public Library is hosting events, conversations and celebrations focused on Varghese's collection. Members can learn more about programming and monthly prize draws at HPL's 23 branches and Bookmobile or online at hpl.ca/hamilton-reads.
"HPL is proud to be the city's reading headquarters. Hamilton Reads is the perfect opportunity for the community to take a reading adventure together," said Cindy Poggiaroni, HPL's Director of Collections and Program Development. "It's a chance to gain new perspectives and share our experiences with others.”
Also, there is still time to check out HPL's Red Dress Exhibit at Central Branch from May 1 to 15.
The Exhibit, entitled “Missing” provides an opportunity for the community to come together in reflection and solidarity to end the ongoing national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQ2S+. The Exhibit includes 21 red dresses and 12 stories of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
The Exhibit has been installed by the City’s Indigenous Relations team in partnership with the Hamilton Public Library. For full details, please visit www.hpl.ca/red-dress-exhibit.
