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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 June 01 due to Summer Sunday Closure
Mon, May 26 10:00AM to 5:30PM
Tue, May 27 10:00AM to 8:30PM
Wed, May 28 10:00AM to 8:30PM
Thu, May 29 10:00AM to 8:30PM
Fri, May 30 10:00AM to 5:30PM
Sat, May 31 9:30AM to 5:30PM
Sun, Jun 01 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, May 29, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
March 15 - May 31, 2025

Thu, May 29, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Thu, May 29, 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom 3
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Thu, May 29, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Use different types of charcoal to achieve various textures within a single artwork.
Registration is now closed

Thu, May 29, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Fri, May 30, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
March 15 - May 31, 2025

Fri, May 30, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Fri, May 30, 10:00am - 4:00pm
All Locations
Come and stay and play!

Fri, May 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Preston - Children's Program Room
Celebrate Pride month with rainbow slime.

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

Fri, May 30, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a unique craft!

Sat, May 31, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
March 15 - May 31, 2025

Sat, May 31, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Sat, May 31, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Explore the different 3D printers available in the Makerspace.
This event is full

Sat, May 31, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Preston - Children's Program Room
An exciting one-shot D&D adventure!
This event is full

Sat, May 31, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Queen's Square - Boardroom
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Sun, Jun 01, All day
Multiple Locations
All our locations will be closed on Sundays starting May 18, 2025 through to and including August 31, 2025.

Mon, Jun 02, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Mon, Jun 02, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you a newcomer trying to get ready for the Canadian workforce? Kinbridge is here to help.

Mon, Jun 02, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Mon, Jun 02, 6:30pm - 8:15pm
Queen's Square - Studio
This is a four-week course running May 26, June 2, 9, 16
Registration is now closed

Tue, Jun 03, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Tue, Jun 03, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a unique craft!

Tue, Jun 03, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Tue, Jun 03, 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.

Wed, Jun 04, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Wed, Jun 04, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Cancelled
Wed, Jun 04, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hespeler
From cards to Catan, this is a warm and friendly atmosphere for fans of low-tech table games.

Wed, Jun 04, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Join SPECTRUM for a discussion and to meet other local gender-diverse folks.

Wed, Jun 04, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Clemens Mill - Children's Program Room
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.
This event is full

Wed, Jun 04, 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, Jun 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Magazine Lounge
Read with us and have great discussions about amazing books.

Thu, Jun 05, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Thu, Jun 05, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Interested in using the laser cutter at the Old Post Office but have no idea where to start?

Thu, Jun 05, 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom 3
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Fri, Jun 06, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Fri, Jun 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
Queen's Square - Studio
Connect with other adults while enjoying concerts, crafting, chats, and more.

Fri, Jun 06, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Outside adventures on market afternoons.

Sat, Jun 07, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Sat, Jun 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Makerspace
Calling all photographers and designers.

Sat, Jun 07, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Queen's Square - Boardroom
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Sun, Jun 08, All day
Multiple Locations
All our locations will be closed on Sundays starting May 18, 2025 through to and including August 31, 2025.

Mon, Jun 09, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Mon, Jun 09, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you a newcomer trying to get ready for the Canadian workforce? Kinbridge is here to help.

Mon, Jun 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Preston - Children's Program Room
Upgrade your spy game with your own covert bookshelf storage.

Mon, Jun 09, 6:00pm - 7:20pm
Preston - Children's Program Room
View an award-winning cinematic feature film presented by the NFB.

Mon, Jun 09, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Mon, Jun 09, 6:30pm - 8:15pm
Queen's Square - Studio
This is a four-week course running May 26, June 2, 9, 16
Registration is now closed

Tue, Jun 10, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

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

Tue, Jun 10, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Tue, Jun 10, 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.

Wed, Jun 11, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Wed, Jun 11, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Wed, Jun 11, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Clemens Mill - Children's Program Room
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.
This event is full

Wed, Jun 11, 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, Jun 11, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Clemens Mill - Creative Hub Classroom
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Register

Thu, Jun 12, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Thu, Jun 12, 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom 3
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Thu, Jun 12, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Discover the basics of block printing in a single session!

Thu, Jun 12, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Read your book silently alongside other silent readers.

Fri, Jun 13, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Fri, Jun 13, 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, Jun 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
Queens Square - Studio
Create a colourful mushroom that can be placed in a potted plant or garden!

Fri, Jun 13, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Outside adventures on market afternoons.

Fri, Jun 13, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Riverview Room
An evening with the award winning author of The Maid and The Mystery Guest.

Sat, Jun 14, All day
Preston - Gallery
March 29, 2025 - June 14, 2025

Sat, Jun 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Third Floor Classroom
Learn the basics of our Cricut Maker.

Sat, Jun 14, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Queen's Square - Boardroom
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Sun, Jun 15, All day
Multiple Locations
All our locations will be closed on Sundays starting May 18, 2025 through to and including August 31, 2025.

Mon, Jun 16, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you a newcomer trying to get ready for the Canadian workforce? Kinbridge is here to help.

Mon, Jun 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Mon, Jun 16, 6:30pm - 8:15pm
Queen's Square - Studio
This is a four-week course running May 26, June 2, 9, 16
Registration is now closed

Tue, Jun 17, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a unique craft!

Tue, Jun 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Enjoy a creative evening in the Gallery Studio with a focus on improving mental health.

Tue, Jun 17, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Tue, Jun 17, 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.

Cancelled
Tue, Jun 17, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Board Room
Teens can join the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC).

Wed, Jun 18, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Wed, Jun 18, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Clemens Mill - Children's Program Room
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.
This event is full

Wed, Jun 18, 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, Jun 19, 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom 3
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Fri, Jun 20, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Outside adventures on market afternoons.

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

Sat, Jun 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Old Post Office - Makerspace
Learn basic sewing terminology as well as how to set up a sewing machine for your next project.

Sat, Jun 21, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Queen's Square - Gallery ,Lobby
Join us for the opening reception of What We Hold.

Sat, Jun 21, 11:00am - 11:45am
Queen's Square - Boardroom
Get the most out of your Cambridge Public Library membership this summer! Explore the Unusual Things to Borrow collection and a tour of the Virtual Library.

Sat, Jun 21, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Queen's Square - Boardroom
Meet new friends, learn about your community, share your culture and customs, and practice your English.

Sat, Jun 21, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
A welcoming and friendly atmosphere to play one or more table games.

Sun, Jun 22, All day
Multiple Locations
All our locations will be closed on Sundays starting May 18, 2025 through to and including August 31, 2025.

Mon, Jun 23, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Mon, Jun 23, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Queen's Square - Community Desk, QS
Are you a newcomer trying to get ready for the Canadian workforce? Kinbridge is here to help.

Mon, Jun 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Large Print Area
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Tue, Jun 24, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Tue, Jun 24, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Queen's Square - Lobby
Drop in to create a unique craft!

Tue, Jun 24, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Program Room
Enjoy singing and smiling while strumming your ukulele with this casual group.

Wed, Jun 25, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Wed, Jun 25, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hespeler - Lounge
Share your ideas and creations with fellow knitters.

Wed, Jun 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Painting instructor, Virginia, will teach you how to create a summer-themed painting.

Wed, Jun 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Join SPECTRUM for a discussion and to meet other local gender-diverse folks.

Wed, Jun 25, 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, Jun 25, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Clemens Mill - Creative Hub Classroom
Rebuilding connections through collective care: TEAO Canada's trauma-informed circles blend somatic practices, psycho-education, and breathwork for healing.
Register

Thu, Jun 26, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Thu, Jun 26, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Old Post Office - Creative Studios
Come together for open mic night in the Creative Studios.

Thu, Jun 26, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Queen's Square - Studio
Create a beautifully bad artwork, all fun and no pressure!

Thu, Jun 26, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Old Post Office - Makerspace
A queer-friendly program for upcycling and trading clothing.

Fri, Jun 27, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Fri, Jun 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Preston - Fireside Area
Love to discuss the nuances of a great book?

Fri, Jun 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Old Post Office - Riverview Room
Life on the Line: The Evolution of the Bell Telephone.

Fri, Jun 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Queen's Square - Children's Department
Kick off summer with interactive musical performer Erick Traplin.

Fri, Jun 27, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hespeler - Children's Program Room
Outside adventures on market afternoons.

Fri, Jun 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Old Post Office - Riverview Room
Get excited for theatrical adventures that will spark your imagination in surprising new ways.

Fri, Jun 27, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Clemens Mill
Make your evening epic with Nerf blasters and friends. Complete a registration for each teen attending the program.

Sat, Jun 28, All day
Queen's Square - Gallery
June 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Sat, Jun 28, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Preston - Children's Program Room
Navigate through uncharted territories alongside other courageous adventurers. However, proceed with caution—this game is not for the faint of heart.