An Evening with Heather O’Neill Presented By Milton Public Library

Heather O’Neill, author of Milton Public Library’s One Book, One Milton 2025 title, The Capital of Dreams.

Milton Public Library is pleased to announce that acclaimed Canadian author Heather O’Neill has been selected for the 2025 One Book, One Milton program.

Join us for An Evening with Heather O’Neill as she discusses her latest novel, The Capital of Dreams. This engaging event will provide insights into her writing process, the inspirations behind her work, and the themes explored in her novel.

Event Details

  • Date: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Book signing to follow from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM)
  • Location: FirstOntario Arts Centre, Milton – Mattamy Theatre
  • Tickets: Available online or in person at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Box Office now!

 

About Heather O’Neill

Heather O’Neill is a celebrated novelist, short story writer, and essayist known for her distinctive storytelling and lyrical prose. Her works often explore themes of resilience, imagination, and survival.

Her previous novels include When We Lost Our Heads, The Lonely Hearts Hotel, Lullabies for Little Criminals, The Girl Who Was Saturday Night, and Daydreams of Angels. Her books have been recognized with numerous literary awards, including the Paragraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction, and have been shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Scotiabank Giller Prize, and the Women’s Prize for Fiction. O’Neill has also won CBC’s Canada Reads and the Danuta Gleed Award.

Born and raised in Montreal, she continues to captivate readers with her vivid imagination and compelling narratives.

About the Capital of Dreams

Heather O’Neill’s latest novel, The Capital of Dreams, is a compelling dark fairytale that blends mythology with history in a story of war, survival, and personal discovery.

The novel follows Sofia Bottom, a young girl growing up in a small, forgotten European country where old myths and legends still hold power. As war looms over the capital, Sofia’s mother, a revered writer, entrusts her with smuggling a final manuscript to safety. When the journey takes an unexpected turn, Sofia is left to navigate a landscape torn apart by conflict, encountering lost children, soldiers, and the difficult choices between survival and kindness.

With her signature poetic style, O’Neill delivers a deeply moving novel that explores themes of loyalty, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Starting March 26th, hardcover copies of The Capital of Dreams will be available for $28 at all Milton Public Library branches. Each copy includes a bookplate signed by the author while supplies last.

Copies will also be available for borrowing at all library branches, with e-books and audiobooks accessible through Overdrive.

The Capital of Dreams will be available to purchase and borrow.

Ticket Information

Library members will have access to an exclusive pre-sale period from March 26th-30th (promo codes will be emailed on March 26th). Ticket sales will be open to the public starting March 31st.

Tickets and book bundles can be purchased online or in person through the FirstOntario Arts Centre Box Office.

Ticket Prices:

  • $25 General Admission
  • $48 Ticket + Book Bundle
  • $20 Library Members
  • $43 Library Member Ticket + Book Bundle

About One Book, One Milton

Now in its twelfth year, One Book, One Milton is Milton Public Library’s signature literary program, designed to bring the community together through the shared experience of reading and discussing a single book. The program has featured some of Canada’s most celebrated authors, including Margaret Atwood, Chris Hadfield, Sarah Polley, Waubgeshig Rice, Mark Critch, and Jagmeet Singh.

Through a variety of events and discussions, One Book, One Milton encourages engagement with literature that resonates with the community. Leading up to the main event, the library will host book discussions, writing workshops, and themed programs inspired by The Capital of Dreams.

Programs

Milton Public Library will be hosting a series of engaging programs inspired by The Capital of Dreams, exploring its themes of mythology, resilience, and survival.

June 1, Sherwood Branch, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

An introductory hands-on workshop with expert Bookbinder and Instructor Stuart Hill, as he teaches how to make your own book using a basic cross structure binding. All tools and supplies provided (but feel free to bring your own tools). After the workshop, there will be a be-weekly drop-in book arts circle at the Main Library (1010 Main Street) where you can bring in and work on your own projects. Starts Wednesday, June 4! (https://beinspired.libcal.com/event/3881987)

Wednesdays Bi-Weekly, Main Library, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

This Book Arts Circle (Drop-in) provides a relaxed, creative space to explore bookmaking at your own pace. Stuart Hill will be on-hand at each session to offer guidance, answer questions, and maybe even introduce new book projects! Let’s build a community of makers who learn, share ideas, and inspire one another through the art of handmade books.

Learn more.

August 2, 30, & September 13, Sherwood Branch, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

August 8, September 5, & October 3, Beaty Branch, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

August 17, September 14, & October 4, Main Library, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Enjoy a calm, creative space where you can reduce stress, boost mindfulness, and express yourself through art. All materials provided—just bring yourself and your imagination. Drop-in.

During these sessions, design and colour your own bookmark or chapter heading inspired by the illustrations in Heather O’Neill’s Capital of Dreams. Explore the book’s captivating artwork and bring your own artistic vision to life.

Learn more.

Various Dates, Various Locations, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Learn the art of hand sewing and help create a dress inspired by Heather O’Neill’s first-draft skirt for Capital of Dreams. Once completed, the dresses will be showcased at all library branches, celebrating creativity and literary inspiration. No experience needed. Just bring your creativity!

Learn more.

July 29, August 5, September 2, & October 7, Beaty Branch, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Fabrication Frenzy is a monthly program that introduces participants to a variety of fabrication techniques. Each session offers hands-on learning experiences, allowing individuals to develop their skills and create unique, custom projects across different mediums. No experience required.

In July through October, learn how to create various accessories. Accessories created will include earrings, bracelets, and a bag. These accessories will be used to complement the Once Upon a Dress dress program.

Learn more.

July 15 – August 31

In Other Words is a writing contest for those 18+ that invites you to share your stories. Each year will feature a new theme to inspire fresh perspectives, inventive twists, and original storytelling. Related programming such as writing workshops or themed book clubs will help you get your creative juices flowing.

2025 Theme – Fractured Fairytales

Put your own spin on a classic tale! Whether you rewrite the story from a new perspective, add an unexpected twist, or set it in an entirely different world, we want to see your most creative re-imaginings.

Submit between August 1-September 14.

  • Winners announced October 1
  • Winner + Runner-up for each category
    • Flash Fiction (500 words or less)
    • Short Story (1000-3000 words)

Learn more.

One Book One Milton logo

Criteria

One Book, One Milton is a community-wide program.

A book selection committee comprised of Milton Public Library staff members consider the following criteria when choosing Milton’s read.

The One Book, One Milton book selection must:

  • Be written by a Canadian author
  • Have been written for an adult audience
  • Appeal to both men and women
  • Engage the reader
  • Generate a sense of excitement
  • Sustain a complex discussion
  • Raise issues of importance

Participate

One Book, One Milton is a community-wide program designed to encourage everyone in Milton to read the same book – similar to one really big book club.

One Book, One Milton engages the community through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book: its contents, themes and relevance, as it relates to the Milton Community.

There are many ways to get involved and engaged in One Book, One Milton:

  • Read a copy of the book
  • Participate in various events and activities, including the author visit!

Read

You can borrow, download or purchase a copy of the selected book to read and enjoy. To borrow the book from Milton Public Library, visit us online or in person. You can also purchase a copy at any Milton Public Library location, or at the main event.

If you need help downloading the eBook, please let us know as we are happy to help!

Visit the library, call 905-875-2665, or email information@beinspired.ca for assistance.

Connect to other readers using the hashtag #onebookonemilton

Contact Us

Questions? Please call 905-875-2665 or email information@beinspired.ca and we will get in touch with you.