Dante Mottillo

Impossible Words: George Elliott Clarke

Just when I thought the month of August couldn’t get any more exciting with the impending countdown to summer’s end, once again, I must correct my err. I can barely contain my excitement for what is about to join the community of literary celebrants! In nearly one week, The Academy of the Impossible will be launching a new literary series which will be ringing in your head for months to come. The Impossible Words literary salon will be promoting prestigious Canadian authors who will be presenting some of their award winning work. The first author to present will be poet, playwright, and critic, George Elliott Clarke, reading from his recent novel I & I. Stay updated, because I’ll make sure to keep all readers posted with the ever pressing installations in this exciting series.

When: September 8, 2012; starting at 1:30 pm
Where: The Academy of Impossible Words; 231 Wallace Avenue (At Lansdowne)

A Burning Thought Exchange: Dante Alighieri and the Divine Comedy

Ever wanted to travel to hell and back, for real? Well, currently I only know of one way, and that is by reading the prolific epic tale, Dante’s Inferno. The first section of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy will be professionally discussed and will teach you how to read and understand literature of our own time and that of the past. Stroll through the various ravenous circles of hell. Observe the heretics trapped in flaming tombs, the guarded trenches that hold the fraudulent, and even Satan himself encased in ice. There is no registration required for this event, but arrive early as the doors to hell open at 6:15 pm.

When: September 10, 2012; from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Where: Deer Park TPL branch: Program Room 2nd Floor; 40 St. Clair Avenue East

Author’s Spotlight: Author Brian Francis Visits Leaside Library

Brian Francis, author of acclaimed novel Fruit, hits the Leaside library with his latest book, Natural Order. Narrating the troubling life of a mother after her adult son’s death, Francis has provided readers with yet another inspiring novel. No registration is required to drop in and hear him speak of his most recent piece.

When: September 10, 2012; 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Where: Leaside TPL branch: Community Room; 165 McRae Drive

Author’s Spotlight Interrogation: Sheila Dalton & Linda Hutsell-Manning

Have questions about writing? Well, how about getting published? Authors Linda Hutsell-Manning and Sheila Dalton will be reading from their latest respective novels and will be answering questions regarding to the above topics. Regardless of whether you are an aspiring writer or simply an enthused reader who can’t wait to meet a professional author, you will want to jump to get a seat for this double spotlight.

When: September 13, 2012; 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Where: York Woods TPL branch: Meeting Room 2; 1785 Finch Avenue West
Registration: Either register in person at the library or call 416-395-5980

The Artistic Word: Infinite Kung Fu with Word Out Graphic Novelist Kagan McLeod

What better way to ink down the long summer road, and truly settle into the summer art of relaxation, than graphic art itself. Kagan McLeod, published illustrator in such magazines as the National Post and New York Magazine, and author of zombie-martial amalgamation, Infinite Kung Fu, is leading the next instalment in the Word Out series with an artistic twist. After introducing himself, his inspiration and artistic process, he will lead all attendees in a comic jam, where all can try their hand at the artistic word.

When: August 22, 2012; from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Where: Parkdale TPL branch; 1303 Queen Street West

Reading in the Lax: Tea & Books

Books were always meant to be read in that special spot that isolated us from reality, which took us to another world. Now they can be read just about everywhere: on the subway, the bus, during class, yet they still serve the same purpose. Join us on a quiet regular afternoon and listen as local librarians review recent publications, new and upcoming titles, and even their all-time favourites, and maybe you can find the next book to pick up for an escape. It’ll be well worth your time as light refreshments will be available!

When: August 28, 2012; 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Where: Agincourt TPL branch: Program Room; 155 Bonis Avenue

Comical Poetics: Writing Workshop with Matthew Tierney

Poetry is more than just complex thoughts mixed with brooding connotation. Utilize all your emotions in this hands-on workshop, where you can embrace the full spectrum of your poetic potential. Led by Canadian poet Matthew Tierney, dabble into the comedic side of poetry that frightens many with its wide and crescent smile.

When: July 19, 2012; 12:30 pm-2:30 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library TPL branch: Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium; 789 Yonge Street
Registration: Call (416)-397-5970 or contact Ken Sparling at ksparling@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Just Another Teen Outlet: Teen Book Club

Don’t fall to the folly of the mid-summer heat. Gather and discuss teen book trends and find new books to lounge around with under the sun. From mystery to romance, you can discover what else teens your age are reading.

When: July 30, 2012; 3:30 am-5:30 pm
Where: Centennnial TPL branch; 578 Finch Avenue West

Author’s Spotlight: Meet Word Out Author Leah Bobet

Broadcasting a new author to the Word Out stage is Leah Bobet with her debut novel, Above. Join this next instalment to the Word Out series to hear her thoughts and experiences with the novel, and see how her fantasy isn’t all that fictitious.

When: August 9, 2012; from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm
Where: Centennnial TPL branch; 578 Finch Avenue West

Need to Read: Boz Reading Group

A search for love, suicide, and the desire for money. Charles Dickens has always been one to make his stories as utterly complex as possible. Discuss one of his argumentatively finest novels, Bleak House, and see why he is being celebrated two centuries after his birth. Dickens has always been one of my favourite authors, and he has never faltered in his critical view of English socialism. Read and listen to excerpts from the book and see how he could deserve a slot on your bookshelf, and compare the literary prestige over the years. No registration required.

When: June 20, 2012; 7:00 pm-9:30 pm
Where: Northern District TPL branch; 5120 Yonge Street

Meeting Muses: Writers Group

Finding fellow writers is even easier than finding a place to write in your local coffee shop. Read the unpublished works of other writers, and even contribute your own pieces in progress for critique. If you don’t want to submit any of your writing for feedback immediately, sit back and be inspired by the words that will slip into your consciousness. No registration required.

When: June 28, 2012; starts at 7:00 pm
Where: Morningside TPL branch;4279 Lawrence Avenue East

Groups with Gore: Tea and Murder Mystery Book Club

Skulk around new books and stories whilst enjoying a hot cup of tea. Discover your next favourite sleuth in contemporary literature with the company of fellow readers. From murder mystery to clever whodunits, there is a limited time to have puzzles of fun. Just don’t spill the tea!

When: June 28, 2012; from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Register: Call (416)-393-7727, or register within the library
Where: Pape/Danforth TPL branch: Program Room; 701 Pape Avenue