One Book initiatives aim to connect their community members through the shared experience of reading.

Be a part of our reading community!

This summer, immerse yourself in Edward Y.C. Lee’s The Laundryman’s Boy and experience the history of St. Catherines anew through the eyes of two immigrants: Hoi Wing, a determined Chinese boy, and Heather, a no-nonsense Irish girl.

Both teens are hungry for opportunity, used to long hours and hard labour, and accustomed to how casually cruel St. Catherines’ citizens can be.

Will Hoi Wing and Heather achieve their dream of enrolling in school, despite one of the city’s wealthy business owners (and potential future mayor), Jonathan Braddock, leader of the Asiatic Exclusion League, fanning the flames of anti-immigrant sentiment?

Shedding light on some little discussed aspects of Canadian history, this gripping detail-rich read captures an unforgettable moment in time.

Find a One Book Niagara program near you

You’ve read the book, now meet the author! Get your ticket to Edward Y.C. Lee’s author talk at the Robertson Theatre. This free event is open to Fort Erie Public Library patrons.

Get tickets for the author visit
Join our book club
Join Sara and Laura as we discuss The Laundryman’s Boy at the Centennial branch on Monday August 25th from 6-7 pm. Registration required. Email Laura to let us know if you would like a digital or a physical copy of the book.

Register here