Literary Calendar

Author Stephen Shepperd - Book signing of “Hydromania: A History of the Diamond Cup.” The book gives a comprehensive history of the Diamond Cup hydroplane races and Coeur d’Alene’s love/hate relationship with boat racing. Today, 1 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Spokane Poetry Slam - 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. Age 21 and older. Sign-ups at 8:30 p.m.; slam at 9 p.m. Today, Lantern Tap House, 1004 S. Perry St. $5/competitors and suggested audience donation. (509) 315-9531.

Merry Christmas! Storytime and Craft - What better way to celebrate the season than with beautiful Christmas stories. After, you can take part in a fun craft. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

HREI Book Club - The Human Rights Book Club’s pick for December is “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” by John Irving. Wednesday, 5:15 p.m., Human Rights Education Institute, 414 W. Mullan Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 292-2359.

Inland Northwest Writer’s Guild - Meeting for published and unpublished writers to read their latest works, discuss ideas and work with writing exercises. All are welcome. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Books Are Fun Book and Gift Fair - Books and gifts for all ages at discounted prices with proceeds benefitting Chase Youth Foundation. Open to the public. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., main lobby, Spokane City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Free admission. (509) 953-3246.

“Great American Chocolate Chip Cookie Book” - Auntie’s owner Chris O’Hara will bake and serve some of her favorite cookies from this cookbook. Friday, noon-2 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Poet Laureate Thom Caraway - Literary night with the Spokane poet. Part of the West Central Festival of the Arts. Friday, 7 p.m., Salem Lutheran Church, 1428 W. Broadway Ave. Free. (509) 328-6280.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Storytime and Craft - Come hear how this mean little character grew his heart three sizes with Auntie’s special storytime event and talk about all the things you can do to grow your hearts this Christmas and all year long. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Scott Glennie - Book signing of “Kicking the Can,” a political story developed around the Affordable Care Act, the people who created it and the people it serves. Saturday, noon, Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Holiday Treats - Auntie’s staff will be providing treats from the Smitten Kitchen cookbook. Come sample and get ideas for some last minute Christmas gifts. Saturday, noon, Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Holiday Sing-Along With Mudgy and Santa - Children’s author Susan Nipp, creator of the “Mudgy & Millie” book and the nationally known “Wee Sing” series of books, will lead children in some holiday favorites. Mudgy and Millie will be on hand, along with Santa Claus, and they will be available for informal photos. Nipp and sculptor Terry Lee, who created the bronze statues along the Mudgy Trail, will also sign copies of “Mudgy & Millie.” Saturday, 1 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, Community Room, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 769-2380.