Local author Robert Nielsen is on campus today (Wednesday, Aug. 23) signing copies of his new book, Total Encounters: The Life and Times of the Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene.

Published jointly by McMaster University Press and the Mental Health Centre Volunteer Association Penetanguishene, the book was launched in Penetanguishene on June 15. It tells the story of the development of the centre, the medical and political shifts that have shaped its course, and the people who have worked and lived there. Established almost a century ago, the centre has witnessed the changing face of mental health in Ontario and in outlining the history, the book describes those changes.

Nielsen, a publisher and author, teaches a writing course at McMaster through the Department of Continuing Education.

The author signing is scheduled from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in HSC-1G1 (Mediashop.com).