Literary Calendar

Colfax Library Book Sale - Mondays-Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturdays-Sundays, 1-5 p.m. The sale will be held through the end of August. Colfax Library, 102 S. Main St., Colfax. (509) 397-3970.

Author Josh Gross – Reading, discussion, and signing of “The Hack.” Hamilton Brownstone’s father died when he was 6. At the funeral he met a strange, angry boy named Gardner; the brother from another family that neither he nor his mother knew about. Today, 1 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Spokane Poetry Slam - Spokane Poetry Slam is competitive performance poetry. Poets have three minutes to present original work without costumes, props or musical accompaniment. Audience judges chosen at random score the poem and the highest cumulative score after two rounds of poetry wins the $50 grand prize. Sign-ups at 8:30 p.m., Slam at 9 p.m. Age 21 and older. Today, Lantern Tap House, 1004 S. Perry St. $5/to compete; $5/suggested audience donation. (509) 315-9531.

Whitman County Community Bookclub – Discussion of “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Wells. Copies are available at the Colfax Library. Tuesday, 6 p.m., Colfax Golf Club, 2402 N. Cedar St., Colfax. (509) 397-4366.

Author Jenny Milchman – Reading, discussion, and signing of “Cover of Snow.” In Milchman’s work is a richly woven story that not only looks at the devastating effects of suicide, but also examines life in a small town and explores the complexity of marriage. Tuesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Outer Space Preschool Storytime & Craft - Join Auntie’s for some stories that are out of this world. After, you can make the Big Dipper out of marshmallows. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

“The Day the Crayons Quit” - Clearly, Duncan’s crayons had enough. When he opened his art box, he found not a single crayon, only letters from disgruntled color sticks. Blue wondered how many oceans he would be obliged to color, and you should hear Beige complain. Treats will follow. Wednesday, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 922-4104.

Author Jess Steven Hughes – He will speak at the Spokane Valley Book Club meeting on his book, “The Sign of the Eagle.” Wednesday, 2 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 891-1695.

Inland Northwest Writer’s Guild – A meeting for published and unpublished writers to read their latest works, discuss ideas, and work with writing exercises. The speaker will be D. Andrew McChesney, author of “Beyond the Ocean’s Edge,” who will discuss his experience getting published. All are welcome. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author Katie Quirk – Reading, discussion, and signing of her book “A Girl Called Problem.” The people of Litongo move to a new village which seems cursed to some, but where 13-year-old Shida, a healer, and her female cousins are allowed to attend school. Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Artsy Storytime and Craft - We’ll read some books to get your creative juices flowing. Then, artist Theodora Sallee will teach you how to make a red clay leaf pocket vase. For ages 5 and older; supplies are limited, registration is required by phone or to andreas@auntiesbooks.com. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Hands-On Learning: LeapFrog LeapReader Dinosaurs! - A summer reading event for children ages 3 to 7. Reading, writing and dinosaurs! Treats will follow. Saturday, 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 922-4104.

Spokane Novelists Group - Strong critiquing of fiction only, novels and short stories. Bring five to 10 pages to read to the group and six to eight copies. Group meets second and fourth Saturdays of the month; noon. Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Free. (509) 891-1695.

Author Esther J. Hildahl – Signing of her children’s book, “Meadow Pond.” The book tells the story of Web Frog, his friends, and their adventures as they battle the mean Red Boat kids and Hes-per, the monster snake. Saturday, 2-4 p.m., Spokane Valley Hastings, 15312 E. Sprague Ave. (509) 924-0667.