The City of Mississauga is committed to celebrating cultural diversity and experiences, including fostering its creative sectors. Initiatives like Poetry Month is one of many key actions the City is taking to help promote literacy and lifelong learning, while helping to elevate the status of arts and culture within the community. This builds upon the Future Directions Culture and Library Plans, and Prosper and Belong Strategic Pillars for Change.

The Poet and Youth Poet Laureates – the City’s literary ambassadors – use their creativity through literary arts to bring value to residents and those around them, and have provided input in this year’s Poetry Month programming.

From Mississauga’s annual Poetry Slam to open mic nights and workshops, there is a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Open Mic Night

Thursday, April 2, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Hazel McCallion Central Library – Makerspace Stage

Share some verses with the City’s current Poet Laureate, Andrea Josic, and Youth Poet Laureate, Tahira Rajwani. They will begin the evening with a Poetry and Performance workshop before inviting poets to the stage.

Collage Poetry Workshop

Thursday, April 9, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Living Arts Centre – Gallery Studio

Join the City’s Youth Poet Laureate, Tahira Rajwani, in exploring the world of collage poetry. Compose your own poem through assembling and arranging existing text from magazines and newspapers to create a visual poetry piece. Participants are encouraged to bring a piece of text or photo that they would like to incorporate into their work. Reserve your spot for Collage Poetry.

Poetry and Paint Workshop

Thursday, April 16, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Living Arts Centre – Gallery Studio

Join the City’s Poet Laureate, Andrea Josic, for an evening of guided poetry and painting. Participants will be led through a series of brief, beginner-friendly writing exercises, followed by a painting session to create images inspired by their words. This is also the time to share and connect with others. All materials will be provided. Reserve your spot for Poetry and Paint.

Seventh Annual Poetry Slam

Thursday, April 23, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Hazel McCallion Central Library – Noel Ryan Auditorium

Mississauga’s Poetry Slam returns for its seventh year! Watch young literary talents in the community perform original poetry and spoken word submissions in a family-friendly contest. Reserve your seat for the Poetry Slam.

Looking to participate? If you’re a Mississauga-based artist between the ages of 14 and 24, you can complete a submission package to be considered to perform. Submissions close on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Odes Poetry Workshop

Thursday, April 30, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Living Arts Centre – Screening Room

Join the City’s Youth Poet Laureate, Tahira Rajwani, for a Poetry Workshop focused on odes inspired by the people, places or things we hold dear. This workshop will consist of poetry writing and an optional sharing portion. Register today for Odes.

More to enjoy

The City will recognize its incoming sixth Poet Laureate at the General Committee meeting on April 8. This honourary position recognizes an outstanding local poet who has written on themes that are relevant to the residents of Mississauga. They will serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028, acting as a literary ambassador to help elevate the status of poetry, literary arts and young writers in our community.

Find your muse at the Mississauga Library with a wide range of Poetry Month-themed programs and Storytimes.

Looking for a place to start your poetic journey? The library is here to help with a curated list of recommended reads from fun rhymes and witty haikus to thought-provoking verses, and more.

As one of Canada’s most diverse cities, Mississauga’s Empowering Change: A Comprehensive Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: 2026-2031, demonstrates the City’s commitment to advancing policies, programs and partnerships that support equity, belonging and opportunity for all residents.

On March 8 and throughout the month, the City of Mississauga will mark International Women’s Day with a variety of programs and activities. All are encouraged to visit the International Women’s Day webpage, which highlights a variety of opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate which include:

• film screenings and storytelling events highlighting women’s leadership and lived experiences
• sports and recreation programs celebrating women and girls
• visual presentations recognizing remarkable women from Mississauga’s history
• free fitness and aquafitness classes led by women instructors
• library programs focused on empowerment, creativity and family learning
• a curated playlist featuring empowering female artists at City facilities and programs

In addition, the City will be lighting the clock tower purple on March 8 in recognition of International Women’s Day.

Background

International Women’s Day is observed each year globally to celebrate women’s achievements and to call attention to the ongoing work needed to achieve gender equality. The City of Mississauga remains committed to creating and fostering inclusive spaces where women and girls can contribute and lead.

For more information and ways to get involved, please visit: mississauga.ca/IWD

Quotes

“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that when we give our time, our voices, and our support, we all gain. In Mississauga, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of women by creating opportunities to connect, learn, and give back through programs that uplift women and girls, and honour their leadership. By leading through example and working together, we can continue to build a city where every woman feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

Whether you’re a newcomer, retiree, first-time filer or a seasoned tax-filer, you can attend free workshops, presented by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These sessions offer guidance on filing your tax return and tips on how to avoid scams. If you are 18 or older, have a modest income and a simple tax return, you can book your appointment at a local library to have a trained volunteer help you through the tax-filing process.

Remember, you have until Thursday, April 30 to file your personal income taxes. Book your tax clinic appointment at mississaugalibrary.ca/taxes.

Expanded free income tax-filing clinics

This year, the library is expanding the income tax clinics to two new locations: Clarkson Library and Cooksville Library.

Eligible residents with a simple tax return and modest income can visit one of the library’s free tax clinics. Volunteers are available to help you file your return and receive your tax credits and benefit payments. Tax returns are prepared by volunteers with Chartered Professional Accountants Ontario, Halton-Peel Association, through the CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

Registration is available by phone or in person at one of seven participating library locations.

Tax education workshops

Free workshops hosted by Mississauga Library bring CRA experts directly to residents. Sessions explain how to complete a tax return, understand benefit eligibility and protect yourself from tax scams.

In-person workshops are available on a drop-in basis and attendance is first-come first-served. Online workshops require advance registration.

Upcoming workshops:

Tax Basics for Newcomers

Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
In-person at Hazel McCallion Central Library

Learn about benefits and credits, options for paying your taxes and ways to protect yourself from tax scams. Ages 13 and up. Registration is not required and space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doing Your Taxes

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
In-person at Sheridan Library

Filing your tax return doesn’t need to be difficult! Discover how to gather your information and complete your return, so you can get the benefits and credits that you’re entitled to. For first-time tax filers and anyone who needs an introduction or refresher. Registration is not required and space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tax Basics for Retirees

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
In-person at Clarkson Library

Learn about benefits and credits, options for paying your taxes and ways to protect yourself from tax scams. Ages 55 and up. Registration is not required and space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doing Your Taxes

Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Online – Register now for the Doing Your Taxes workshop

Filing your tax return doesn’t need to be difficult! Discover how to gather your information and complete your return, so you can get the benefits and credits that you’re entitled to. For first-time tax filers and anyone who needs an introduction or refresher. Registration is required.

Tax Basics for Retirees

Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
In-person at Lorne Park Library

Learn about benefits and credits, options for paying your taxes and ways to protect yourself from tax scams. Ages 55 and up. Registration is not required and space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

More information

The library is committed to removing barriers and creating programs to foster learning and empower Mississauga residents. This includes developing programs like free income tax clinics and workshops to help continue supporting vulnerable residents across Mississauga.

There’s a wide range of free programming and resources available at the library to provide opportunities for residents to learn, engage and grow. Learn more about all that the library has to offer at mississaugalibrary.ca/programs.

Author Talks invites readers to go beyond the pages of their favourite stories. The Mississauga Library brings opportunities like these to help residents engage with the ideas and inspirations behind the book through conversations with the authors themselves. Whether you’re already a fan or looking for your next great read, this is your opportunity to ask burning questions and remain a lifelong reader.

Talks will be held virtual only in February and in-person in March. This program is free to attend, and you must register in advance to reserve your spot.

Antonio Michael Downing

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Time: 7 – 8 p.m.

Location: Virtual only

Register now

Antonio Michael Downing is the current host of the CBC Radio program “The Next Chapter.” He is the author of the acclaimed memoir “Saga Boy” and children’s book “Stars in My Crown.” His debut novel “Black Cherokee” is a courageous coming-of-age story about a mixed-race black girl fighting for recognition in a South Carolina Cherokee community, told with dazzling language, keen insight, and an unforgettable voice. Check out his books available at the library.

Nita Prose

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Time: 7 – 8 p.m.

Location: Noel Ryan Auditorium, Hazel McCallion Central Library, 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Mississauga

Register now

Nita Prose is the number one bestselling author of the “Maid” series, a crime thriller that has sold millions of copies worldwide. Her series has captured the minds of readers worldwide and won the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction, the Fingerprint Award for Debut Novel of the Year, the Anthony Award for Best First Novel and the Barry Award for Best First Mystery. Capacity is limited for in-person talks so make sure to register early to save your spot. Check out the series at the library.

Take a look at highlights from previous Author Talks at the Mississauga Library’s official playlist.

More information

The book may end, but the experience continues. Mississauga Library amplifies diverse Canadian voices and stories through a wide selection of books and media to explore. Discover your next read by signing up for the Book Buzz e-newsletter, or visit your nearest library location to ask staff for their recommendations.

Mississauga Library brings residents together through events and activities year-round that inspire learning and foster a lifelong love of reading. Explore everything your library has to offer at Mississaugalibrary.ca.