One Book, One Milton

Milton Public Library’s annual One Book, One Milton event brought the community together for an inspiring evening with Heather O’Neill, celebrated Canadian author of The Capital of Dreams. Held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at MinMaxx Hall, FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton, the event was a resounding success—filled with laughter, reflection, and meaningful conversation. The evening was skillfully moderated by Hudson Lin, writer and Program Coordinator at the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), who guided an engaging dialogue about O’Neill’s creative process, literary influences, and the inspirations behind her captivating novel.

O’Neill captivated the audience with her characteristic wit and insight, offering glimpses into her writing journey and the intricate worlds she builds through her stories. She spoke passionately about the power of imagination, resilience, and human connection—themes that resonate deeply throughout The Capital of Dreams. Audience members were treated to an intimate exploration of her creative process, learning how her characters and settings come alive through her unique storytelling voice.

Following the discussion, O’Neill spent time meeting patrons, signing copies of her novel, and connecting with readers on a personal level.

This year’s event concluded a series of community programs inspired by The Capital of Dreams, including creative writing workshops, book arts sessions, and hands-on experiences that invited participants to explore the themes of the novel in new and imaginative ways.

Milton Public Library extends its heartfelt thanks to Heather O’Neill for sharing her time and talent, to Hudson Lin for moderating the evening, and to all the community members who took part in this year’s One Book, One Milton celebrations. Selection for the 2026 One Book, One Milton will be announced in the coming months.