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What's New?

On Display
Upcoming Events
New Books in our Reading Room

On Display

Wings

The concept of flight has entranced, enchanted and even obsessed mankind for as long as we have records; as far back as the prehistoric cave-paintings at Lascaux. We can trace a direct line from the myth of Icarus and his waxen wings to spaceflight. In between we have stories of angels, griffons, flying horses and flying machines. Our exhibit celebrates personal flight in science fiction and fantasy literature.

On display February 7 - May 1, 2010 in the lobby of the Merril Collection.

Upcoming Events

Reading: Karl Schroeder
Merril Collection writer-in-residence Karl Schroeder will read from his newest science fiction novel, Ashes of Candesce, and will answer questions about writing and researching science fiction.
Saturday February 6, 7:00 to 8:15 pm
Toronto Reference Library
Beeton Auditorium

Science Fiction and Foresight: discussion with Karl Schroeder
Is it true that science fiction is about predicting the future? Karl Schroeder discusses when science fiction and foresight are the same and when they are different.
Saturday, March 6, 7:00 to 8:15 pm
Toronto Reference Library
Beeton Auditorium

Writing Workshop with writer-in-residence Karl Schroeder:
Integrating Idea and Story

Everyone has ideas for a story, but very few people actually get a story completely written. This workshop will assist aspiring science fiction writers by clarifying the process of developing the story from the idea.
Thursday, March 25, 5:30-8:15 pm
Lillian H. Smith Branch
Lower Level

Writing Workshop with writer-in-residence Karl Schroeder:
Short Story Structure and Plot

Attendees will learn how to identify and correct story weaknesses and sharpen their writing skills, while writing short science fiction and fantasy stories.
Thursday, April 15, 5:30-8:15 pm
Lillian H. Smith Branch
Lower Level

Guest Author John Scalzi
John Scalzi, award-winning author of the Old Man's War series, will read from his latest work. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Friday, April 23, 7 p.m.
Merril Collection Reading Room
Details to be confirmed.

Vampire Fantasy: why are vampires the hottest idea in fantasy fiction?
Chris Szego, contributor to the Cultural Gutter website, moderates a panel of local fantasy writers and experts, discussing why vampire fiction is so extremely popular. Guest authors include Tanya Huff.
Thursday, Apr. 29, 7:30-8:30 pm
The Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy

14th Annual Fantastic Pulps Show & Sale
Saturday May 8th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Lillian H. Smith Branch
Basement Program Rooms
Admission $2.

Book Launch: The Dragon and the Stars
The Friends of the Merril Collection are sponsoring the launch of The Dragon and the Stars, edited by Derwin Mak and Eric Choi; featuring stories by ethnic Chinese writers from around the world - including Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, Canada and the United States.
Thursday, May 13, at 7 pm
The Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy

Writing Workshop with writer-in-residence Karl Schroeder:
Wrangling Your Novel Into Shape

This workshop deals with the process of creating science fiction, how writers can identify and correct their mistakes, when to rewrite and when to stop.
Thursday, May 20, 5:30-8:15 pm
Lillian H. Smith Branch
Lower Level

New books in our reading room

Fiction

Benjamin, Melanie Alice I Have Been
Berg, Carol The Spirit Lens
Bradley,Marion Zimmer and Deborah J. Ross Hastur Lord
Brust, Steven Iorich
Butcher, Jim First Lord's Fury
Bynum, Laura Veracity
Cottam, F. G. The Magdelena Curse
Erikson, Steven Dust of Dreams
Evaristo, Bernardine Blonde Roots
Flaming, Matthew The Kingdom of Ohio
Flint, Eric and Dave Freer The Sorceress of Karres
Green, Simon R. The Good, The Bad, and the Uncanny
Gregory, Derryl The Devil's Alphabet
Haldeman, Joe Starbound
Hendee, Barb and J.C. Through Stone and Sea
Hoyt, Sarah A. Darkship Thieves
Huston, Charlie Sleepless
Jablokov, Alexander Brain Thief
Kostova, Elizabeth Swan Thieves
Martin, George R. R. ed Suicide Kings
McCaffrey, Anne and Elizabeth Scarborough Catalyst
Miyabe, Miyuki The Book of Heroes
Miyabe, Miyuki Brave Story
Modesitt, L. E. Arms-Commander
Mourlevat, Jean-Claude Winter's End
Novik, Naomi In His Majesty's Service
Recht, Z. A. Plague of the Dead
Robinson, Kim Stanley Galileo's Dream
Rubens, Michael The Sheriff of Yrnameer
Schiefelbein, Michael The Vampire Maker
Shaw, Ali The Girl With Glass Feet
Sherman, David and Dan Grace Starfist: Double Jeopardy
Suarez, Daniel Freedom™
VanderMeer, Jeff Finch
Willis, Connie Blackout
Zahn, Timothy The Domino Pattern

 

 

 

Updated on: February 4, 2010




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