CBC host headlining Burlington Public Library’s annual literary festival

Burlington Public Library’s BurlLitFest is back this year, headlined by CBC host and best-selling author Elamin Abdelmahmoud.

After a fully-virtual event in 2021, the library is happy to be offering many events and workshops in person this year. The celebration of authors, books, and creativity runs the full month of November.

Abdelmahmoud’s hit memoir, Son of Elsewhere, is a one-of-a-kind reflection on Blackness, pop culture, and the challenges and rewards of finding your way in the world.

“We are overjoyed to host Elamin for this event,” said CEO Lita Barrie. “Son of Elsewhere was one of my favourite reads this year, and I hope many community members can join us for this, and our other fantastic events.”

Other highlights include an intimate writer’s workshop with author and psychotherapist Farzana Doctor, a lively evening with military historian Tim Cook, and a gathering of stories and songs with Susan Aglukark.

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This year’s festival includes a combination of in person and virtual programming. Registration opens Oct. 19. All events are free to attend, and a Burlington Public Library Card is not required.

Here is the author lineup:

• Nov. 8: How I Secretly Published a Book at Age 12 with Jack Crawford
• Nov. 9: Birder Murder: Putting Passion and Mystery on the Page with Steve Burrows
• Nov. 10: Conversations and Songs with Susan Aglukark
• Nov. 20: Learning to Listen: Representing Neurodivergent Stories with Adam Mardero
• Nov. 21: In Conversation with Elamin Abdelmahmoud,
• Nov. 22: Telling our Stories with Chief Stacey LaForme
• Nov. 28: Canadian War History on the Page with Tim Cook

Here are the writing workshops:

• Nov. 2: Crafting a Family Memoir with Donn Gibb
• Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28: Novel Writing Workshop Series with Brian Henry
• Nov. 8: The Aspiring Author’s Guide to Self-publishing with Paul Woods
• Nov. 16: Poking the Bear: The Art of Writing Humour with Rod Carley
• Nov. 17: Demystifying the Mystery Novel with John Lawrence Reynolds
• Nov. 23: Improve Your Writing With 7 Emotion-Based Strategies with Farzana Doctor
• Nov. 24: Creative Writers Coffee House: Open Mic
• Nov. 30: Creative Journaling for Wellness with Lynda Monk

Here are the panel discussions:

• Nov. 15: Author Tips on Writing for Kids with Sylvia McNicol, Jennifer Mook-Sang, & Karen Bass
• Nov. 29: Feminist Fiction Front and Centre with Kimia Eslah, Ariela Freedman, & Celia Edell
• TBD The Bookseller’s Perspective with Ian Elliott, Noelle Allen, Sean Liburd, Alicia Sevillano-Barja

For more information or to register, visit the library’s website. https://www.bpl.on.ca/