Literary Calendar

Spokane Poetry Slam - Competitive performance poetry. Poets have three minutes to present their own original work without costumes, props or musical accompaniment. Judges chosen at random score the performance and the poet with the most points at the end of two rounds gets the $50 grand prize. Open to all ages. Spokane Poetry Slam does not censor for content; discretion is advised. Tonight, 8:30 p.m., Scout, 1001 W. First Ave. $5 to compete; $5 donation for audience. (509) 747-3434.

Author Bette Lynch Husted - Reading and signing of her book “Lessons from the Borderlands” which reflects on a life spent with stories. Monday, 5 p.m., BookPeople, 512 S. Main, Moscow. (208) 882-2669.

Tween Book Club (North) - For youth in grades 4-6. Discuss this month’s pick, “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan. Also enjoy games and snacks. Tuesday, 1 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 893-8350.

Tween Book Club (Valley) - For youth in grades 4-6. Discuss “A Long Way from Chicago” by Richard Peck. Also enjoy games and snacks. Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library , 12004 E. Main Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 893-8400.

Author Rick Bass - Acclaimed nature writer presents his latest book, “The Black Rhinos of Namibia.” Tuesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Julie Titone - Reading from her novel “Boocoo Dinky Dow: My Short, Crazy Vietnam War,” an illustrated memoir that is by turns funny and sobering. Soldier Grady Myers, the author’s late ex-husband, was a talented artist and storyteller. His tale has special meaning as the country commemorates the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War. Tuesday, 7 p.m., BookPeople, 512 S. Main, Moscow. (208) 882-2669.

“David Douglas in the Shrub Steppe” - A presentation by local naturalist, author and teacher Jack Nisbet, who will discuss the observations of David Douglas, a Scottish naturalist who collected flora and fauna and traveled with the Hudson Bay Company horse brigade near Turnbull back in 1826. Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, 26010 S. Smith Road, Cheney. $5. (509) 235-4531.

Coeur d’Alene Public Library Pageturners Book Club - Wednesday, “In the Garden of the Beasts,” by Erik Larsen. 10:15 a.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 769-2315, ext. 426..

Zoo Friends Preschool Storytime and Craft - Listen to books about zoo animals. Make your own 3-D shoe box exhibit of your favorite zoo animal habitat. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Literary Freedom Book Group - Discussion of “Birds Without Wings,” by Louis DeBernieres. Wednesday, 2 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Joan Ranquet - Animal communicator will talk about her book, “Communication with all Life.” Wednesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Moran Prairie Library Book Club - Discussion of “Carl Maxey: A Fighting Life,” by Jim Kershner. Thursday, 2 p.m., Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S. Regal St. Free. (509) 893-8340.

NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color Class 201 - For advanced users. Thursday, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave. Free. (509) 922-4104.

Barnes & Noble Storytime - Story will be “Swim, Little Wombat, Swim,” by Charles Fuge. Saturday, 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave. (509) 922-4104.

Play These Games! with Heather Swain - The author of “Make These Toys” presents her new book, “Play These Games: 101 Delightful Diversions Using Everyday Items.” Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Spokane Novelists Group - Strong critiquing of fiction only, novels and short stories. No poetry, nonfiction, memoirs, etc., please. Bring 5-10 pages to read to the group and 6-8 copies. Saturday, noon, Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. Free. (509) 891-1695.

Story Classics Storytime - Listen to readings of “The Story of Ferdinand,” “Madeline” and more. Saturday, 1 p.m., Auntie’s at the Square, River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. (509) 456-4775.

Author Jessica Hecket - Signing copies of her book, “The Water Words.” A tale of a young girl who prevails against all odds. Saturday, 1 p.m., Hastings, 2512 E. 29th Ave. (509) 535-4342.