HAMILTON, ON – May 3, 2024 – Hamilton Public Library invites you into a world of provocative short stories with this year's Hamilton Reads selection, the celebrated Chrysalis by Hamilton's Anuja Varghese. Winner of the 2023 Governor General's Literary Award, Chrysalis is a collection of genre-blending stories of transformation and belonging that centre around women of colour, queerness, family and community.

Hamilton Reads is HPL's biggest book club. Visit a branch to borrow a physical copy of Chrysalis or place a hold on an eBook or downloadable audiobook narrated by the author.

"I'm so honoured Chrysalis is the Hamilton Reads 2024 title," said Varghese. "This community has always enthusiastically supported my work and truly means so much to me as a local author. With Chrysalis, many entry points are woven into the book, from feminist fiction and marginalized identities to playing with the elements of horror, fantasy, and fairytale. I hope this year's Hamilton Reads events inspire folks who might not normally pick up a short story collection to try it. I can't wait to share these stories with Hamilton readers over the next few months in some fun ways.

As part of the celebration, Hamilton Public Library is hosting events, conversations and celebrations focused on Varghese's collection. Members can learn more about programming and monthly prize draws at  HPL's 23 branches and Bookmobile or online at hpl.ca/hamilton-reads.

"HPL is proud to be the City's reading headquarters. Hamilton Reads is the perfect opportunity for the community to take a reading adventure together," said Cindy Poggiaroni, HPL's Director of Collections and Program Development. "It's a chance to take gain new perspectives and share our experiences with others.”