Book Swap

Do you LOVE horror? If so, join us for this month's dark fiction writers meeting! Participants are encouraged to bring sacrifices—writing excerpts, that is—of up to 2000 words to read and receive critique. Listeners are appreciated as well. We welcome all dark genres and subgenres, including but not limited to: horror, dark science fiction, dark fantasy, suspense/thriller, etc. We'll be meeting at the MaRS Building near Queen's Park Station.

This talk begins from the question of property in Edward Said's last interview. It then asks: What is the role of property within Sylvia Wynter's reading of "the horizon of humanity" in Jacques Derrida? Ultimately this talk considers Said and Wynter together in offering an inquiry into the forms of life we have inherited and live within today. [Benjamin P. Davis](https://benjaminpdavis.com/) is an Assistant Professor of Africana and Hispanic Studies at Texas A&M University and a Fellow at the Center on Modernity in Transition. He is the author of *Simone Weil’s Political Philosophy: Field Notes from the Margins*, which reads the mystic Simone Weil as an illuminating political theorist, and *Choose Your Bearing: Édouard Glissant, Human Rights, and Decolonial Ethics*, which presents the poet and philosopher Édouard Glissant as a vital voice for the practice of human rights today. His third book, *Another Humanity: Decolonial Ethics from Du Bois to Arendt*, defends the concepts of “the human” and “humanity” against a critical backdrop in theory today. **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \*** This is a talk with audience Q&A presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics that is free to attend and open to the public. The talk will also be streamed online with live chat [here](https://youtube.com/live/ci8UsCr0ALQ). About the Centre for Ethics (http://ethics.utoronto.ca): The Centre for Ethics is an interdisciplinary centre aimed at advancing research and teaching in the field of ethics, broadly defined. The Centre seeks to bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge of diverse scholars, students, public servants and social leaders in order to increase understanding of the ethical dimensions of individual, social, and political life. In pursuit of its interdisciplinary mission, the Centre fosters lines of inquiry such as (1) foundations of ethics, which encompasses the history of ethics and core concepts in the philosophical study of ethics; (2) ethics in action, which relates theory to practice in key domains of social life, including bioethics, business ethics, and ethics in the public sphere; and (3) ethics in translation, which draws upon the rich multiculturalism of the City of Toronto and addresses the ethics of multicultural societies, ethical discourse across religious and cultural boundaries, and the ethics of international society. The Ethics of A.I. Lab at the Centre For Ethics recently appeared on a list of 10 organizations leading the way in ethical A.I.: https://ocean.sagepub.com/blog/10-organizations-leading-the-way-in-ethical-ai

* **Bring your own nonfiction book and join us for a gentle, social reading gathering.** With no assigned readings or expectations, this is a space to slow down, share stories, exchange perspectives, and enjoy thoughtful conversation at an unhurried pace. If you value nonfiction and authentic human connection, you are warmly invited. **RSVP kindly requested. I look forward to meeting you in February.** * *When?* Friday, February 27, 2026 * *Time?* 1 PM to 2:30 PM EST * *Where?* Oak Cafe Gallery (77 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville)

Small Group | Women-Only Event ※日本語の案内は下にあります 【Fee】 $10 (Only $5 if you bring snacks for share) 【Payment】：Cash or E-Transfer only ⚠️ Credit/debit cards are not accepted. • We’ll provide a cup of green tea. If you have a favorite drink, feel free to bring it with you! (Cups, plates, wet wipes and snacks will also be available.) Meeting Point: The central stage on the first floor of the library (If you are late, please come to Study Room 1 and 2 on the first floor or Study-room on the second floor). • A relaxed tea-time hangout with casual chatting in both English and Japanese, plus card games 🌸🍵 (There’s no structured “language exchange time,” so don’t worry if you’re not confident—just take it at your own pace! 🙋‍♀️) 【Important Request】 If you can’t make it, please mark yourself as “Not Attending” so someone on the waitlist can join. If you fail to show up twice without marking “Not Attending,” you may be removed from the group. 【Eligibility Notice】 This event is exclusively for individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB). While we deeply respect all gender identities, this particular gathering is intended to provide a safe and comfortable space for AFAB women to connect. We kindly ask trans women, non-binary, and other gender-diverse individuals to refrain from attending this time. Additionally, if your name or profile photo does not clearly reflect your gender (e.g. male-identifying names, random numbers, spam-like characters), you may be removed from the event. Thank you for your understanding. 少人数｜女性限定 The English guide is below 【参加費】 $10 （シェアできるお菓子を持参で半額の$5） 【支払い】：現金 or E-Transfer のみ ⚠️ カードの取り扱いはありません ・緑茶1杯ご用意します。好きなドリンクがある方はお持ち込み大歓迎です。 （他：コップ、お皿、手拭き、スナックあります） 【集合場所】 図書館の一階中央ステージ （遅刻した場合はStudy Room 1 or 2または2階のStudy roomに来てください） ・英語と日本語を自由にミックスしておしゃべり、カードゲームなどゆるっとお茶会スタイル 【こんな方におすすめ】 女の子の友達が欲しい！ Meetupに参加してみたいけど、不安がある。 【お願い】 参加できない場合は「不参加」にしてください。 「不参加」なしで2回現れなかった場合、退会となります。 【参加対象についてのご案内】 本イベントは「出生時に女性として割り当てられた方（AFAB）」に限らせていただいております。 あらゆるジェンダーアイデンティティを尊重しておりますが、今回はAFABの女性が安心して交流できる場を意図しております。 トランス女性・ノンバイナリー等の方々におかれましては、誠に恐れ入りますが、今回のイベントへのご参加はご遠慮ください。 また、名前やプロフィール写真から性別が判断できない場合（明らかに男性である、数字の羅列、スパムのような文字の羅列など）イベントから退会してもらう可能性があることをご承知ください。

Join us the 4th Friday of every month at 6 pm at Cherie Bistro for another Toronto Humanist & Atheist get-together! Catch up with friends and welcome new people.

Let’s get together to speak French! We’ll enjoy tea/coffee and some icebreaker games. Everyone is welcome. Venez parler français! À bientôt, Hassane. \*Merci beaucoup de vous être inscrit(e) à notre prochaine rencontre! Nous sommes ravis de votre présence. Afin de permettre à d’autres de se joindre à nous, nous vous demandons respectueusement : 1. **Si vos plans changent,** veuillez mettre à jour votre statut (passer à 'Non') le plus rapidement possible pour libérer votre place. 2. **Si vous êtes sur la liste d'attente,** merci de ne pas vous présenter à l'événement. Votre statut doit être confirmé pour pouvoir participer. Veuillez vous inscrire directement aux prochaines dates disponibles. Au plaisir de vous accueillir! \*To allow others to join us, we respectfully ask that you: * **If your plans change,** please update your RSVP status (change it to 'No') as quickly as possible to free up your spot. * **If you are on the waiting list,** please do not show up for the event. Your status must be confirmed to participate. Instead, please register directly for the next available dates. IMPORTANT: Veuillez noter que pour profiter pleinement de nos échanges, une aptitude de base à la conversation est vivement souhaitée : ce groupe est un cercle de discussion convivial et non un cours de langue. Please note that to fully enjoy the experience, a basic speaking aptitude is recommended: this group is a social conversation circle, not a formal teaching class. We look forward to welcoming you! Please join our WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LRUdXbjpG8I9aph4dU6Go8

On the last friday of each month we meet in person and have breakfast. Come prepared to give a short elevator speech about your business. Take a picture of your business card or share your contact card in the chat and be prepared for us to start to help you grow you business. Sometimes visitors get referrals their first day out!

Toronto Downtown Reads is hosting a bookstore crawl on Saturday, February 28, 2026, celebrating the unique charm of Toronto’s indie bookstores. * This open reading group welcomes everyone. * No registration, sign-ups, or memberships required. * Rather than focusing on a single book, the goal is to encourage reading beyond four walls by gathering in parks, cafés, libraries, and other city spaces. For this edition, we’ll be in physical reading mode, exploring a curated list of independent bookstores while getting to know the city one neighbourhood at a time. It’s a relaxed, social way to read, wander, and connect with books, places, and fellow readers. Whether you’re a regular reader or just curious to explore Toronto’s indie book scene, you’re welcome to join and read along at your own pace. We will start from Corner of Union Station (Bay St and Front St Intersection) at 11 am and walk towards the bookstore. If you’re planning to middle of day then please message on Instagram @Torontodowntownreads

1. Quick intros (name + one thought) 2. 3–4 guiding questions (not a lecture) 3. Free discussion 4. Vote on next book (people stay when they choose)

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for an afternoon of craft beer and local food at Harbord House, followed by a visit to my favourite fiction book store, Bakka, then the Ukrainian Museum, and then Lillian H. Smith library to see their exhibit on Winnie the Pooh. We will meet-up at the Harbord House for some lunch and craft beer. I like this airy restaurant, with its big windows while I dine on their delicious fig, pear and goat cheese salad. https://harbordhouse.ca/ 124 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1G8 At 1 pmish, we will walk to Bakka Books, my favourite Sci-fi and Fantasy book store, where those who work there offer reviews of some of the works presented. This is how I found such cherished Canadian authors, such as Charles de Lint and Robert J. Sawyer. Perhaps, you too, will discover something here. https://www.bakkaphoenixbooks.com/ 84 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5 At 1:30 pmish, we will head south on Spadina to the Ukrainian Museum to see two exhibits, the Kosiv Bazaar and a display of traditional textiles. https://www.umcontario.com/ 620 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5S 2H4 After visiting here, we will take a selfie with the prominent statue of Volodymyr the Great Monument. Our last stop will take us past the impressive Daniels Building, a significant neo-Gothic landmark beautifully integrated with modern sustainable architecture. As we approach the Lilian H. Smith library, we will be greeted by two guardians. Then we will take the lift upstairs to Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books to see Winnie the Pooh at 100. You can take photos, though no flash. https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6928c74394cbff62002873a4 239 College St 4th floor, Toronto, ON M5T 1R5 Afterwards, we can see the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation & Fantasy which is showcasing early pulp magazines.

～English description below～ イベント参加費として、日本人の方(日本で生まれ育ち、現在英語を勉強している方)は$2、日本人以外の方(日本語を勉強している方)は$5頂いております。 皆さんから頂いたお金は、こちらのサイトの維持費や将来のランゲージエクスチェンジ施設利用料やソーシャルイベント等のために使われます。ご理解の程、よろしくお願いいたします。 予約受付開始：土曜日5:00PM(前イベント終了後) 予約取消締切：土曜日14:00PM(当日) 予約受付締切：土曜日15:00PM(当日) スケジュール 5.15 PM - 5:30PM - チェックイン、グループ分け 5:30 PM - 6:15PM - 日本語の時間［または英語の時間］ 6:15PM - 7:00 PM - 英語の時間［または日本語の時間］ 【イベント内容】 Language Exchangeへようこそ！このグループでは、皆さんのレベルに応じて、3〜4名のグループにわかれ、同じ席になった人たちで各45分間、それぞれ英語と日本語でフリートークを行なっていただきます。決まったディスカッショントピックなどはございませんので、気軽に質問をしながらそれぞれのセッションを楽しんでいただければと思います。 開催場所：Atrium フードコート TJEXのサインボードを持ったオーガナイザーにお声がけください。(もしサインがなかったり、わからなければメッセージをお願いします！) 予約規約（⚠️重要） ・当日の不参加、もしくは15分以上の遅刻、また予約取消締切後の変更は原則不参加(No-Show)とみなします。不参加(No-show)が3回になりますと会員登録が抹消され、退会となりますのでご注意ください。 ・イベントに遅れそうな場合は必ずオーガナイザーまでメッセージをお願いします。イベント開始時間にいるメンバーでグループを組み直すこともあるので、連絡なしで到着された場合はイベントに参加できない可能性もあります。原則、30分以上遅れての参加はご遠慮いただいております。あらかじめご了承ください。 キャンセル待ち ・満席の場合、”キャンセル待ち”リスト(waiting-list)にご登録いただくことが可能です。“参加予定”リスト（going-list)中に空席が発生した場合は、”キャンセル待ち”への登録が早かった方を優先に、オーガナイザーが”参加予定”へ移動しますので、当日の参加状況の変更がないかご自身でご確認ください。 ※ご注意※ ・空席ができた際は、自動的に”キャンセル待ち”より”参加予定”へ変更されます。この時にMeetupよりお知らせがあるかはわかりません。 ・システムにより自動的に”参加予定”とされ、それに気づかずに参加しなかった場合でも、不参加とみなされますのでご了承ください。 Instagramアカウント @tjex.ca 最新情報やミートアップの様子を掲載しています。 ぜひこちらもフォローお願いします！ *** ***Although our group is a non-profit organization, we collect $ 5 per English Speaker for every event. All the proceeds are used to run this website and for social events*** RSVP: RSVP open: 5:00 PM (Saturday after previous event) RSVP cancel deadline: Saturday, 2:00 PM (day of the event) RSVP close: Saturday, 3:00 PM (day of the event) Day of Event: 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM - Check-in and Group placement 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM - Japanese conversation 6:15 PM - 7:00 PM - English conversation Event Description: This is an in-person language exchange! Members are placed into groups of three or four based on their language level. Each 45 minute session consists of friendly casual conversation, and/or informal study. Optional Dinner : After the Language event, we usually go for Dinner. Dinner is optional, you may or may not join the Dinner, it depends on you. However, Dinner is only for Participants that joined on the day of the event. Event Location: Atrium Food Court The food court is directly connected to the Dundas subway station. Leave the subway station and walk west along Dundas Street. At the intersection of Bay Street and Dundas Street, you will find an entrance. Proceed down the escalator. The food court is on the basement floor. Please talk to the organizer with the signboard showing TJEX. (If you can’t find them, please send a message to the organizer.) ⚠️RSVP & Late Policy: If you are unable to join on the day of the event, please change your status from 'going-list' to 'not going-list'. Failure to Not show up will result in 1 No -Show. Also, in case of arriving 15 mins late to the event will result in 1 No-Show. Members are removed from the group after 3 No-Shows. Waiting List: Members can join the waiting-list even if an event is full. When a spot becomes available, we will move you to the going-list. Going List: Only Members on the going-list can participate on the day of the event. Group Instagram - @tjex.ca Feel free to follow us!

**Join [TILE.]** at the **most popular Saturday Language Learning Social Event & Party in Toronto! 🍁** **[TILE.] = Toronto International Language Exchange [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tilelearning/)** **[TILE.]** now has a **2-for-1 special event,** which includes: **1.** From **[6:30 - 7:15 PM](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher):** An optional new $5 small group 45-minute **[English language class](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)**[ ](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)led by a certified language teacher **2.** From **[7:15 - 11 PM](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto):** Our usual huge group **[BIGGEST LANGUAGE EXCHANGE SOCIAL EVENT AND PARTY IN TORONTO](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto)** (Cost: *$0-$5\*, see below)* Both events happen Saturday on the 2nd floor of the Madison Pub (14 Madison Avenue). ***Attend either or both events!*** Meet Toronto locals and international friends. Talk to language teachers and speakers to learn English, French, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and much more! Join us for board games, conversation, dancing, singing, and more! Make sure to get a nametag from one of our helpers. *You **must** read the full event description below before attending. By attending, you agree to all the terms listed.* **[TILE.] Toronto International Language Exchange** event details: * We are on the 2nd floor of the Madison pub on the patio with all the international flags! *The dance floor opens around 10 PM, and the live piano bar singer start around 10:30 on the 1st floor.* * With our night ride promotion, the second event (the 7:15- 11 PM Party & Social event) is **FREE** for women who will be traveling alone at night to promote inclusion and equity\*. This event normally $5. * The cost for the first event (the 6:30 - 7:15 PM English Language class) is $5 for everyone. **PAY** **$5** right at the event by **CASH, CREDIT, or DEBIT**, or **SEND $5 E-TRANSFERS** to: **TILETORONTO1@GMAIL.COM**. You can also support the bar by buying a drink or appetizer. **\*** The second event ends late at night. It is 100% your own responsibility to ensure you get home safe. We can simply waive the $5 event entry/cover fee for women who will be traveling home alone so that they may instead put this money towards taking a safe ride home. \-\-\-\-\-\- **IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Meetup Group** By attending any TILE events, including these ones, you acknowledge and agree to the following: * *The organizers and hosts of TILE events are are not liable for any loss, injury, damage, or other unforeseen outcomes that may occur before, during, or after any event.* * *Participation in TILE events is entirely voluntary and at your own risk. You are solely responsible for your own safety, personal belongings, transportation, behavior, and well-being. It is your responsibility to assess the risks involved in any activity or location and to act accordingly.* * *TILE and its organizers do not provide insurance and cannot guarantee the safety, accuracy of information, or quality of venues, third-party services, or other attendees.* * *By attending, you release TILE, its organizers, and affiliates from any and all claims or liability, and you agree to conduct yourself respectfully and in accordance with local laws and venue rules.* * ***If you do not agree with this disclaimer, please do not attend TILE events.***

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! See you there!

This will be the first ever Book Club Meet up for this group! * We will be discussing Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose (if you would like a free EPUB copy of this book to read on kindle, message me & I can send you the ebook) * ***Changed the book from Daggermouth due to it being independently published and hard to find in print**** * Feel free to attend even if you haven't started or finished the book ◡̈ ! * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! * Even if the meetup event shows full, you are welcome to come. If you can no longer attend the event, no worries, just please try to update your status on meetup for it.

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

This Month's Book: The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen. Join us for discussion at the Granville Public Library from 6 to 7pm. Follow us on Instagram: @granvillepridebookclub

Come join us for coffee at Matari Coffee to discuss our March book, "The Enchanted Greenhouse"! Book description: Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium. This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home. But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again. This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835) Location: [Knotty Pine Brewing](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/) [Menu, scroll to the bottom](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/menus-1) Book summary: Adunni is a fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl who knows what she wants: an education. This, her mother has told her, is the only way to get a "louding voice" -- the ability to speak for herself and decide her own future. But instead, Adunni's father sells her to be the third wife of a local man who is eager for her to bear him a son and heir. When Adunni runs away to the city, hoping to make a better life, she finds that the only other option before her is servitude to a wealthy family. As a yielding daughter, a subservient wife, and a powerless slave, Adunni is told, by words and deeds, that she is nothing. But while misfortunes might muffle her voice for a time, they cannot mute it. And when she realizes that she must stand up not only for herself, but for other girls, for the ones who came before her and were lost, and for the next girls, who will inevitably follow, she finds the resolve to speak, however she can--in a whisper, in song, in broken English--until she is heard

Join us for a Japanese Book Fair + Ramen Meetup! We’ll browse the used Japanese Book Fair together at Yokoso Center, then head next door to Tensuke Ramen from 5–6 PM to enjoy ramen and other Japanese dishes. After we eat, we’ll hang out and play a few casual games. Come for books, stay for food and community, open to all!