​​The Heliconian Club's
Literary Lecture Series 2026-27

This delightful program delivers 16 lectures from September to May. It features a range of favourite authors and impressive newcomers whose content is timely, informative, and entertaining. Both fiction and non-fiction works are included. 

• Authors present their lectures at the historic Toronto Heliconian Club, a charming venue with vaulted ceilings in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto, Canada.
• Series subscriptions are required.  Tickets to individual lectures are not available.

The books for both series are easily available from our friends at Ben McNally Books.
​Please support your local independent bookstores in Canada.

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OUR IN-PERSON SERIES

'Reading Nook in Venice' by Rosemary Tannock

IN-PERSON Subscriptions: 
Now available​: 
Tuesday only (8 lectures): $250  |  $200 for Heliconian Club members
Thursday only (8 lectures): $250  |  $200 for Heliconian Club members
Tuesday AND Thursday (16 lectures): $425  |  $350 for Heliconian Club members

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Doors open at 6:45 pm

• Enjoy a cup of tea, French cheese on a cracker, or a slice of lemon loaf before the presentation.

​The Lecture begins at 7:30pm

• Take part in a Question & Answer session and have your book signed by the author.

​Rewatch whenever you like: the lectures are recorded and a video link is sent to you a week later. ​

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VIDEO-ONLY Subscriptions: 
Now available
Tuesday - Videos only (8 lectures): $125  |  $100 for Heliconian Club members
Thursday - Videos only (8 lectures): $125  |  $100 for Heliconian Club members
Tuesday AND Thursday - Videos only (16 lectures): $150  |  $125 for Heliconian Club members

• We're happy to offer your choice of Tuesday and/or Thursday lectures in our video-based Virtual Series.
• Enjoy an exciting and thought-provoking talk, from the comfort of your own home.

 

• Virtual Subscribers will receive a new video link each month, one week after the in-person lecture date. 
• Rewatch as often as you like. All the videos will stay up until August 31st 2027.​​

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TUESDAY

Don Gillmor: Cherry Beach September 8th in-person video released on Sep 15

Vinh Nguyen: The Migrant Rain Falls In Reverse October 6th in-person video released on Oct 13

Otoniya J. Okot Bitek: We, The Kindling November 10th in-person video released on Nov 17​

Ann Y. K. Choi:   All Things Under the Moon January 12th in-person video released on ​Jan 19

Nina Dunic: Suddenly Light February 9th in-person video released on ​Feb 16

Shani Mootoo: Starry Starry Night March 9th in-person video released on ​March 16

Patmeena Sabit, in conversation with Suanne Kelman Good People April 13th in-person video released on ​April 20

Helen Humphreys: ​Summerland: Family, Loss and the Inheritance of Dreams, A Memoir May 11th in-person video released on May 18

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THURSDAY

Wayne Johnston: The Novice of Holloway Hall September 17th in-person video released on ​Sep 24

Eddy Boudel Tan: The Tiger and the Cosmonaut October 22nd in-person video released on ​Oct 29

John Irving, in conversation with Janet Somerville: Queen Esther November 19th in-person video released on ​Nov 26

Shelley Saywell: If Only Love: A Memoir of Second Chances January 21st in-person video released on Jan 28

Christine Estima: Letters to Kafka February 18th in-person video released on ​Feb 25

Carrianne Leung: Wonderland Road March 18th in-person video released on Mar 25

Trina Moyles: Black Bear April 22nd in-person video released on Apr 29

Suanne Kelman lectures about Yann Martel's novel Son of Nobody May 20th in-person video released on ​May 27

​Sales tax included, along with a $15 fee for The Club’s building improvement fund. (HST number 108122466RT0001)