Literary Calendar

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. Today, 9 p.m., Lantern Tap House, 1004 S Perry St. $5/competitors and suggested audience donation. (509) 315-9531.

Idaho Family Reading Week - Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Coeur d’Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave. Three events mark family reading week, with free books for kids given away at all three. They include: “Dragons, Fairies, Knights and Princesses” puppet show and crafts, 6:30 p.m. Monday; “What’s in the Box” build-a-book activity, 4 p.m. Wednesday; and “Graphic Novels: Not Just for Superheroes Anymore,” 6:30 p.m. Thursday. (208) 769-2315, ext. 438. Free.

Poet Padraig O Tuama – Reading by the Irish poet, speaker, and conflict mediator. Tuama is the author of “Readings from the Book of Exile” and “Hymns to Swear By.” Monday, 7 p.m., Multipurpose Room, Hixson Union Building, Whitworth University, 300 W. Hawthorne Road. (509) 777-3253.

Books Are Fun - Book and gift items for all ages at discounted prices. All proceeds benefit Royal Plaza activities. Open to the public. Tuesday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Royal Plaza Retirement Center, 6410 N. Lidgerwood St. (509) 483-7136.

Author Brandon Cole - Discussion, slideshow and book signing of “Reef Life: A Guide to Tropical Marine Life.” Cole is a biologist and photographer whose work has appeared in magazines such as National Geographic, Scientific American and Smithsonian. Tuesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Every One Sleeps But Me! Preschool Story Time and Craft – Are you always the last one to bed? Good thing there are stories to help you fall asleep; like the new one by Marcellus Hall, “Everyone Sleeps.” Bring a blanket or favorite bedtime toy. 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 November is the “Lonely Polygamist” by Brady Udall of Boise, Idaho. 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Inland Northwest Writer’s Guild - Meeting for published and unpublished writers to read their latest works, discuss ideas and work with writing exercises. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Books Are Fun - Book and gift items for all ages at discounted prices. All proceeds benefit DECA. Open to the public. Thursday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Gonzaga University, Jepson Center lobby, 502 E. Boone Ave. (509) 328-4220.

Author Pamela Proehl - Reading, discussion, and signing of Proehl’s debut novel, “The Heartbreak Killer.” It’s a psychological thriller about murder, love, deception, and a shocking truth. Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author Kate McLachlan - Presents “Murder and the Hurdy Gurdy Girl.” It’s 1897, and Susan Bantry is on the run from the law. She ends up in Needles Eye, Idaho, where she works in a hurdy gurdy as a dancing girl. Jo Erin, Susan’s childhood friend, is the cross-dressing Pinkerton agent sent to track Susan down. Before she can complete the job, a mining war breaks out and interferes with Jo Erin’s plans. Complicating matters even further are the feelings that resurface between Susan and Jo Erin, as events from their past come back to haunt them. Friday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

“Bugs in My Hair!” Story Time - Hear the newest book by David Shannon. By the end of storytime, you may be feeling a little itchy up in your hair. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

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 Gordon Jackson - Reading, discussion and book signing of “You’ve Made Your Bed, Now Go Bounce On It!” You’ve probably heard that “It takes a village to raise a child.” But you may be less familiar with “It takes a whole village to keep parents sane.” These quotations and nearly 800 others are contained in the author’s anthology of quotations about children, their parents and others who care about them. A portion of the proceeds from the book will benefit the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. Saturday, 2 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.