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Authors Alka Joshi and Donna Jones Alward.

Registration now closed

Author Evening

with Alka Joshi and Donna Jones Alward

2025-05-08 18:30:00 2025-05-08 20:00:00 America/New_York Author Evening An evening of discussion between two bestselling authors. Old Post Office - Riverview Room

Thursday, May 08
6:30pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-05-08 18:30:00 2025-05-08 20:00:00 America/New_York Author Evening An evening of discussion between two bestselling authors. Old Post Office - Riverview Room

Old Post Office

Riverview Room

An evening of discussion between two bestselling authors.

Meet bestselling authors Alka Joshi and Donna Jones Alward. You can learn more about their latest books, Six Days in Bombay and When the World Fell Silent, with some impactful discussions.

Stop by the Rookery Books table at the event to purchase a copy of the book and get them signed as a memento.

Registration is required to confirm attendance. Please register for everyone attending. Limited entry without registration may be available at the door, but is not guaranteed.

Doors open at 6:00 pm.

 

About Alka Joshi

Born in India and raised in the U.S. since she was nine, Alka Joshi has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts. Joshi's debut novel, The Henna Artist, immediately became a NYT bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon Bookclub pick, was Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, & is in development at Netflix as a TV series. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur (2021) and The Perfumist of Paris (2023) completed the Jaipur Trilogy. Her fourth novel, Six Days in Bombay, will be released in February 2025. She is currently working on her fifth novel. In 2024, Joshi was selected for the Forbes 50 over 50 List, celebrating women who are shattering age and gender norms across all sectors of the American economy and culture.

 

About Donna Jones Alward

Since 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.

 

About Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi

When renowned painter Mira Novak arrives at Wadia hospital in Bombay after a miscarriage, she's expected to make a quick recovery, and her nurse, Sona, is excited to learn more about the vivacious artist who shares her half-Indian identity. Sona, yearning for a larger life, finds herself carried away by Mira's stories of her travels and exploits and is shocked by accounts of the many lovers the painter has left scattered throughout Europe. When Mira dies quite suddenly and mysteriously, Sona falls under suspicion, and her quiet life is upended. 
 
The key to proving Sona's innocence may lie in a cryptic note and four paintings Mira left in her care, sending the young woman on a mission to visit the painter's former friends and lovers across a tumultuous Europe teetering toward war. On the precipice of discovering her own identity, Sona learns that the painter's charming facade hid a far more complicated, troubled soul.

 

About When the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones Alward

Nora Crowell wants more than her sister's life as a wife and mother. As WWI rages across the Atlantic, she becomes a lieutenant in the Canadian Army Nursing Corp. But trouble is looming and it won't be long before the truth comes to light. Having lost her beloved husband in the trenches and with no-one else to turn to, Charlotte Campbell now lives with his haughty relations who treat her like the help. It is baby Aileen, the joy and light of her life, who spurs her to dream of a better life. When tragedy strikes in Halifax Harbour, nothing for these two women will ever be the same again. Their paths will cross in the most unexpected way, trailing both heartbreak and joy its wake.

 

 

Accessibility
If you require an accessibility accommodation for this program or event, please tell us how we can meet your needs as soon as possible so arrangements can be organized. If you require a sign language interpreter, please let us know at least two-weeks (10 working weekdays) before the program date. 
  
If you are attending a registered program with a support person, please add your support worker as a guest when you sign up. 

COST: Free

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Events | Lectures + Talks |

TAGS: | Author |

Old Post Office

Phone: 226-533-2767

Hours
We're closed Sunday August 24 due to Summer Sunday Closure
Mon, Aug 18 10:00AM to 5:30PM
Tue, Aug 19 10:00AM to 8:30PM
Wed, Aug 20 10:00AM to 8:30PM
Thu, Aug 21 10:00AM to 8:30PM
Fri, Aug 22 10:00AM to 5:30PM
Sat, Aug 23 9:30AM to 5:30PM
Sun, Aug 24 Closed
(Summer Sunday Closure)

About the branch

The Old Post Office location, opened in 2018, is Canada’s first all-digital library, which includes Creative Studios, Discovery Centre, Makerspace, and Riverview Reading Room.

Be inspired at Idea Exchange in Cambridge!  Connect with the public libraries and public art galleries of Cambridge. Idea Exchange supports and inspires our community with an environment of discovery for people of all ages.

Upcoming events

Thu, Aug 21, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Thu, Aug 21, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Thu, Aug 21, 9:30am - 5:30pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you new to Canada? We can help you settle in!

Thu, Aug 21, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Make new friends, earn volunteer hours, receive academic and career guidance - and enjoy free food and bus tickets for every session!
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Thu, Aug 21, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Create a beautifully bad artwork, all fun and no pressure!
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Fri, Aug 22, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Fri, Aug 22, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
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Fri, Aug 22, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Make new friends, earn volunteer hours, receive academic and career guidance - and enjoy free food and bus tickets for every session!
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Sat, Aug 23, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Sat, Aug 23, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Sat, Aug 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Interested in using the laser cutter at the Old Post Office but have no idea where to start?

Sat, Aug 23, 11:00am - 1:30pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Examine a teddy bear and play doctor for the day with medical students from McMaster University.

Sat, Aug 23, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Preston - Gallery
Navigate through uncharted territories alongside other courageous adventurers. However, proceed with caution—this game is not for the faint of heart.
This event is full

Sun, Aug 24, All day
Multiple Locations
All our locations will be closed on Sundays starting May 18, 2025 through to and including August 31, 2025.

Mon, Aug 25, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Mon, Aug 25, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Mon, Aug 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Tue, Aug 26, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Tue, Aug 26, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Tue, Aug 26, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a unique craft!

Tue, Aug 26, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Wed, Aug 27, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Wed, Aug 27, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Wed, Aug 27, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Wed, Aug 27, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a one of a kind bookmark!

Wed, Aug 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Chat with friends, use technology or take part in some arts and crafts or gaming fun.

Wed, Aug 27, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Reading Room
Join other fibre arts enthusiasts as you work on your own project in a social environment.

Thu, Aug 28, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Thu, Aug 28, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Thu, Aug 28, 9:30am - 5:30pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you new to Canada? We can help you settle in!

Thu, Aug 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Creative Studios
Come together for open mic night in the Creative Studios.

Fri, Aug 29, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Fri, Aug 29, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Fri, Aug 29, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Sat, Aug 30, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Sat, Aug 30, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Sat, Aug 30, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Sun, Aug 31, All day
Multiple Locations
All our locations will be closed on Sundays starting May 18, 2025 through to and including August 31, 2025.

Mon, Sep 01, All day
Multiple Locations
All Cambridge Public Library locations will be closed September 1 for Labour Day.

Tue, Sep 02, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Tue, Sep 02, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Tue, Sep 02, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Tue, Sep 02, 9:30am - 5:30pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you new to Canada? We can help you settle in!

Wed, Sep 03, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Wed, Sep 03, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Wed, Sep 03, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Wed, Sep 03, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Join SPECTRUM for a discussion and to meet other local gender-diverse folks.

Wed, Sep 03, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Reading Room
Join other fibre arts enthusiasts as you work on your own project in a social environment.

Wed, Sep 03, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Rebuilding connections through collective care: TEAO Canada's trauma-informed circles blend somatic practices, psycho-education, and breathwork for healing.

Wed, Sep 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Magazine Lounge
Get together for great discussions about amazing books.

Thu, Sep 04, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Thu, Sep 04, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Thu, Sep 04, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Thu, Sep 04, 9:30am - 5:30pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you new to Canada? We can help you settle in!

Thu, Sep 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Clemens Mill - Creative Hub Classroom
Learn and celebrate the important roles of grandparents.

Fri, Sep 05, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Fri, Sep 05, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Fri, Sep 05, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Sat, Sep 06, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Sat, Sep 06, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Sat, Sep 06, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Sat, Sep 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Explore the different 3D printers available in the Makerspace.

Sun, Sep 07, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Sun, Sep 07, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Sun, Sep 07, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Mon, Sep 08, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Mon, Sep 08, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Mon, Sep 08, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Mon, Sep 08, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Tue, Sep 09, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Tue, Sep 09, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Tue, Sep 09, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Tue, Sep 09, 9:30am - 5:30pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you new to Canada? We can help you settle in!

Tue, Sep 09, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Audiobook Area
Play the world's most popular board game with fellow chess enthusiasts.

Tue, Sep 09, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Wed, Sep 10, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Wed, Sep 10, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Wed, Sep 10, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Wed, Sep 10, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Wed, Sep 10, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Reading Room
Join other fibre arts enthusiasts as you work on your own project in a social environment.

Thu, Sep 11, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Thu, Sep 11, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Thu, Sep 11, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Thu, Sep 11, 9:30am - 5:30pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you new to Canada? We can help you settle in!

Thu, Sep 11, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
2SLGBTQIA+-identifying individuals are invited to explore a different creative project each month in a fun and safe space.

Thu, Sep 11, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Read your book silently alongside other silent readers.

Thu, Sep 11, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Thu, Sep 11, 6:30pm - 8:15pm
Old Post Office - Riverview Room
A Rohingya girl fights for her right to education in the world’s largest refugee camp. Dreaming of a life in Canada, where she can study, will she be the one in a million to break free?

Thu, Sep 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Clemens Mill - Creative Hub Classroom
In our community, one in six people experience loneliness. What can we do to help them?

Fri, Sep 12, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Fri, Sep 12, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Fri, Sep 12, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Fri, Sep 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Meet monthly to discuss a pre-selected title, share thoughts, and learn more about the books we love.

Fri, Sep 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Queen's Square - Studio
Connect with other adults while enjoying concerts, crafting, chats, and more.

Sat, Sep 13, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Sat, Sep 13, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Sat, Sep 13, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Sat, Sep 13, All day
Preston - Gallery
September 13 - December 7, 2025

Sat, Sep 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Makerspace
Calling all photographers and designers.

Sun, Sep 14, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Sun, Sep 14, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Sun, Sep 14, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Sun, Sep 14, All day
Preston - Gallery
September 13 - December 7, 2025

Mon, Sep 15, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Mon, Sep 15, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Mon, Sep 15, All day
Preston - Gallery
September 13 - December 7, 2025

Mon, Sep 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Preston - Main Floor
Connect with other adults as we undertake a walking tour of Preston.

Mon, Sep 15, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Mon, Sep 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Preston - Children's Program Room
View an award-winning cinematic feature film presented by the NFB.

Tue, Sep 16, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Tue, Sep 16, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Tue, Sep 16, All day
Preston - Gallery
September 13 - December 7, 2025

Tue, Sep 16, 9:30am - 5:30pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you new to Canada? We can help you settle in!

Tue, Sep 16, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a unique craft!

Tue, Sep 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Audiobook Area
Play the world's most popular board game with fellow chess enthusiasts.

Tue, Sep 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Enjoy a creative evening in the Gallery Studio with a focus on improving mental health.

Tue, Sep 16, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Riverview Room
Make new friends with Friends of Friends.
Register

Tue, Sep 16, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Tue, Sep 16, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Tue, Sep 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Department
Hang out and crochet with other teens. Bring your own project—no instruction provided.

Tue, Sep 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Thirteen Food & Beverage
With no set book to read, this club is about great conversation and good fun!

Wed, Sep 17, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Wed, Sep 17, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Wed, Sep 17, All day
Preston - Gallery
September 13 - December 7, 2025

Wed, Sep 17, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Wed, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Creative Studios
Artists of all skill levels are invited to come out for some self-directed, still life drawing practice.

Wed, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Clemens Mill - Creative Hub Classroom
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Wed, Sep 17, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Reading Room
Join other fibre arts enthusiasts as you work on your own project in a social environment.

Wed, Sep 17, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Rebuilding connections through collective care: TEAO Canada's trauma-informed circles blend somatic practices, psycho-education, and breathwork for healing.

Thu, Sep 18, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Thu, Sep 18, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Thu, Sep 18, All day
Preston - Gallery
September 13 - December 7, 2025

Thu, Sep 18, 9:30am - 5:30pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you new to Canada? We can help you settle in!

Thu, Sep 18, 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom 3
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Thu, Sep 18, 6:00pm - 8:15pm
Preston - Children's Program Room
Contribute to a fast-growing community art exhibition.

Thu, Sep 18, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Creative Studios
Thinking of starting your own podcast? Learn what it takes to plan and create a well-rounded podcast.

Thu, Sep 18, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Magazine Lounge
An evening with local author of Broken: How far would you go for a dog that you love?

Thu, Sep 18, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Thu, Sep 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Clemens Mill - Creative Hub Classroom
Share book recommendations with other 2SLGBTQIA+ readers.

Fri, Sep 19, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Fri, Sep 19, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Fri, Sep 19, All day
Preston - Gallery
September 13 - December 7, 2025

Fri, Sep 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
Queen's Square - Studio
Connect with other adults while enjoying concerts, crafting, chats, and more.

Fri, Sep 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Preston - Gallery
Join us for the opening reception of Sumâq / Sumac / سماق

Sat, Sep 20, All day
Hespeler - Second Floor
July 14, 2025 - July 11, 2026

Sat, Sep 20, All day
Queen's Square - Lobby
August 29, 2025 - August 29, 2026

Sat, Sep 20, All day
Preston - Gallery
September 13 - December 7, 2025

Sat, Sep 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Makerspace
Learn the basics of using the Makerspace embroidery machine.

Sat, Sep 20, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Celebrate creativity and the power of belonging with this fun and interactive journey through art, music, movement, and storytelling.

Sat, Sep 20, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Preston - Children's Program Room
Fight through unexplored lands with a group of brave adventurers just like yourself. But beware, for this game is not for the faint of heart.

Sat, Sep 20, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Queen's Square - Audiobook Area
A friendly and welcoming atmosphere to play one or more table games.