Literary calendar

Storytelling Company - True (and no so true) tales of the West and the rest of the planet. Always PG-rated. Dinner available at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m. Reservations requested. Sunday, Ivano’s Ristorante Italiano, 102 S. First Ave., Sandpoint. $10/general, $6/age 11 and younger, plus dinner and beverages. (208) 263-0211.

Spokane Poetry Slam - Spokane Poetry Slam is competitive performance poetry. Poets have three minutes to present original work without costumes, props or musical accompaniment. Judges chosen at random score the poem and the highest cumulative score after two rounds of poetry wins the $50 grand prize. This is loud and raucous, and audience participation is highly encouraged. For all ages; content not censored, discretion is advised. Sunday, 8:30 p.m., Scout, 1001 W. First Ave. $5 to compete or watch. (509) 747-3434.

Coeur d’Alene Public Library Pageturners Books Club - Upcoming discussions: Wednesday, “Eva Luna” by Isabelle Allende; Feb. 27, “The Road from Coorain” by Jill Ker Conway; March 27, “The Space Between Us” by Thrifty Umrigar. All discussions begin at 10:15 a.m. Coeur d’Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave. Free. (208) 769-2315, ext. 426.

It’s My Birthday - Listen to stories and decorate your own cupcake. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Capt. Scotty Smiley- Presented by Spokane College Women’s Association. Smiley is the author of “Hope Unseen: The Story behind the U.S. Army’s First Blind Active-Duty Officer.” Wednesday, noon-1:30 p.m., Red Lion River Inn, 700 N. Division St. $20/includes lunch. Reservations required by today. (509) 368-0695.

“The Rainbow Fish” - All the other fish admire the shimmering silver scales of Rainbow Fish and want to play with him, but Rainbow Fish is too proud, nor will he share his sparkling scales. Alone and friendless, Rainbow learns a good lesson. Treats and crafts to follow. Wednesday, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 922-4104.

Literary Freedom Book Group - Discussion of “The Weird Sisters,” by Eleanor Brown. Wednesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” - A moderated discussion by the son and granddaughter of the woman who is the subject of this book, followed by a book signing. Lacks’ cells have been used for more than six decades in countless scientific pursuits worldwide. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” by Rebecca Skloot, describes how cells were taken without her permission and became the first immortal cell line. Named “HeLa” – derived from the first two letters of her names – the cells were used in the development of vaccines, cloning, gene mapping and in vitro fertilization. They were sent on space missions to test how cells react to zero gravity. Lacks died at 31 of cervical cancer in Baltimore in 1951, and her family has never benefited from the commercialization of HeLa cells. In her book, Rebecca Skloot explores the family’s story. Some profits from the book go to a foundation to support families and victims of medical ethics violations. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum, Washington State University, Pullman. Free. (509) 335-5488.

Author Mike Medberry - Presenting his book, “On the Dark Side of the Moon: A Story of Recovery.” Medberry, who was active in trying to preserve the Craters of the Moon in Idaho, suffered a stroke while in a remote part of the wilderness in 2000. He spent hours alone awaiting rescue. His book details his own struggle to recover as he fights to preserve a unique American landscape. Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

National Chocolate Cake Day - For children. Listen to stories, play bingo and enjoy chocolate cake. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

“I’m Not Sleepy” - Morning has come and that means bedtime for a very tired Baby Owl. But he keeps insisting, “I’m Not Sleepy!” This charming tale of a cranky little owl determined to stay awake will be entertaining. Join in for some treats and crafts afterwards. 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. Saturday, noon, Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. Free. (509) 891-1695.

Author Phyllis Horne - Discussing her experiences after running away to join the carnival at age 14. Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.