Mississauga Library has set the first two dates of its 2026 Author Talks series, pairing a CBC Radio host's debut novel with one of the country's bestselling crime writers.
The talks are free, but readers have to register in advance. February's session is online only, and the March event will be held in person downtown.
Antonio Michael Downing, Feb. 25
The series opens Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 7 to 8 p.m. with Antonio Michael Downing, who hosts CBC Radio's The Next Chapter. Downing is the author of the memoir Saga Boy and the children's book Stars in My Crown.
He will talk about Black Cherokee, his first novel. The library describes it as a coming-of-age story about a mixed-race Black girl fighting for recognition in a Cherokee community in South Carolina. The session will be streamed online.
Nita Prose, March 25
On Wednesday, March 25, from 7 to 8 p.m., Nita Prose will appear at the Noel Ryan Auditorium in Hazel McCallion Central Library, 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W.
Prose writes the Maid series, a set of crime novels that has sold millions of copies around the world. The books have picked up several mystery prizes, including the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction, the Anthony Award for Best First Novel and the Barry Award for Best First Mystery. The library says seating for in-person talks is limited and recommends registering early.
Why the library runs the series
The library says Author Talks give readers a chance to hear about the ideas behind the books and to put their own questions to the writers. Highlights from past talks are posted on the library's online video playlist.
The announcement comes during Love Your Library month, which the library is marking through February. Registration for both talks is open through the Mississauga Library website.
