Literary Calendar

Poet Linda Beeman - Linda Beeman combines history and lyricism to tell the story of a mythic, rough-and-tumble mining town. Today, 1 p.m., Hastings Books, 101 E. Best Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 664-0464.

Spokane Poetry Slam - Poets have three minutes to perform their original work without costumes, props or musical accompaniment. The highest-scoring poet at the end of two rounds wins. Sign-ups at 8 p.m.; slam starts at 8:30 p.m. $50 grand prize. All ages are welcome, but content is not censored. Today, 8:30 p.m., Stage Left Theater, 108 W. Third Ave. $5/competitors; and suggested audience donation.

“Fancy Nancy: Fanciest Doll in the Universe” - Fancy Nancy is furious. Her kid sister, JoJo, is a pint-sized monster. Can a fancy doll party make Nancy feel better after JoJo defaces Nancy’s favorite plaything, Marabelle, with a permanent marker? Wednesday, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 922-4104.

Adult Programs at Hayden Library – Tim Leeder of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit will give a presentation on boat safety and discuss the basic requirements of operating boats, rules of the waterways, and safety devices. Wednesday, 6 p.m., Hayden Public Library, 8385 Government Way, Hayden. Free. (208) 772-5612.

Inland Northwest Writers Guild - Join local writers, published and unpublished, and read from your latest work. There will be quick-writes to help develop writing skills. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Michael Gurian - Reading, discussion and signing of “The Wonder of Aging: A New Approach to Embracing Life After Fifty.” The bestselling author and therapist offers a comprehensive look at the emotional, spiritual and cognitive dimensions of life after 50. Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

“Bears Says Thanks” - Bear has come up with the perfect way to say thanks - a nice big dinner! When Bear decides to throw a feast, his friends show up one by one with different platters of delicious food to share. Treats will be provided. Saturday, 11:30 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 922-4104.

Phonics Fun with LeapFrog Letter Factory - Have fun with phonics at a Hands-On Learning event with the LeapFrog Letter Factory. Children ages 3 to 6 are invited to create words and sing alphabet songs. Space is limited. Saturday, 11:30 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 922-4104.

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

Author Barbara Filo - Her novel intertwines the lives of three Hungarian families from the waning days of the great Austro-Hungarian Empire to the end of WWII. This sweeping multigenerational saga unfolds in the midst of great historic events and political turmoil. Reading and book signing. Saturday, 1 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 922-4104.

Explore the Sky with Klutz - Explore the Sky with Klutz at a Hands-On Learning event for age 7 and older. Learn fun facts while designing and coloring galactic stickers. Space is limited. Saturday, 1 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 922-4104.