The Hamilton Literary Festival Association is the governing body of gritLIT: Hamilton's Readers & Writers Festival. 

gritLIT nurtures a community of readers and writers to celebrate excellence in literary arts, promote inclusive and accessible engagement in diverse literary programming, and enhance cultural visibility for Hamilton and its authors. Since its inception in 2004, the festival has built a reputation as a place to get up close and personal with some of Canada's best-known authors and to discover new voices.

gritLIT brings together many different voices – the biggest Canadian authors, up and coming talent, and local Hamilton writers – in a series of readings and themed events. The festival inspires Hamilton authors and book lovers, promotes a love of reading in young audiences and facilitates the exchange of diverse ideas, experiences and viewpoints.