Literary Calendar

Poet Linda Whittenberg – A reading, discussion and book signing of “Somewhere in Ireland,” by the former pastor of Spokane Unitarian Universalist. Today, 1:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

BootSlam - All ages performance poetry competition organized by Spokane Poetry Slam. Poets will have three minutes per round to perform their original work, without the aid of costumes, props, or musical accompaniment. Five audience judges, chosen at random, score the work, and the poet with the highest score after two rounds wins the $50 grand prize. This event is open to poets and fans of all ages, but Spokane Poetry Slam does not censor for content. October’s feature poet is Ed Mabrey, two-time Individual World Poetry Slam champion from Charlotte, N.C. Discretion is advised. Sign-ups at 7 p.m. Today, 7:30 p.m., Boots Bakery, 24 W. Main Ave. $5/competitors or spectators. (509) 703-7223.

Author Paul Bogard – Reading and signing of “The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light.” He is an assistant professor at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., where he teaches creative writing and environmental literature. Monday, 4 p.m., BookPeople, 521 S. Main St., Moscow. Free. (208) 882-2669.

Author Madeline McNeill - Reading and discussion of her book “Is There a Soul?” with a vocal performance demonstrating her theories on how the body contributes to the formation of emotions, mind and spiritual experience. Presented by EWU Women’s Studies Center. Tuesday, noon-12:50 p.m., Eastern Washington University, JFK Library Alcove, Cheney. Free. (509) 359-2898.

Kids Explore & Discover Club - Join Kelly Milner Halls, author of “Dinosaur Mummies” and “Dinosaur Travel Guides,” and learn about dinosaurs. You will also create a dinosaur artifact of your own. Tuesday, 4 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., Spokane Valley, (509) 893-8400; Wednesday, 3 p.m., Medical Lake Library, 321 E. Herb St., Medical Lake, (509) 893-8330; Thursday, 4 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road, Millwood, (509) 893-8260. Free.

Construction Preschool Storytime – Fun stories about mixers, dumpers and cranes. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author Jill Malone - Fiction is often the only place to experience rites of passage for girls and women and for LGBT youth, it is often also the only place they can access a communal experience of coming out. Malone reads from and discusses her book, “Giraffe People,” in which her protagonist goes through both of these nearly unacknowledged transitions. Presented by EWU Women’s Studies Center. Wednesday, noon-12:50 p.m., Eastern Washington University, Monroe Hall, Room 207, Cheney. Free. (509) 359-2898.

Author Sherman Alexie - Reading, discussion and book signing of “Blasphemy,” the acclaimed author’s newest collection of short stories. This event is in partnership with Get Lit. Wednesday, 7 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $5, suggested donation. (509) 838-0206.

Author Maria Semple - Spokane is Reading presents two readings of the best-selling author’s work, “Where’d You Go, Bernadette.” Thursday, 1 p.m., Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.; and at 7 p.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Free; seating is on a first-come basis.

How Performance Poets Build Community - Kelly Mathews, EWU anthropology and creative writing graduate, will examine the ways in which performance poets build sustainable community. Presented by EWU Women’s Studies Center. Thursday, noon-12:50 p.m., Eastern Washington University, Monroe Hall, Room 207, Cheney. Free. (509) 359-2898.

Author Mary Brooks - Reading, discussion and book signing of her book, “Gladys: An American Story.” The story of 1940s America is told through a series of letters from a young woman to her family. Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Bully Awareness Storytime - October is Bully Awareness Month. Come listen to stories about finding the courage to stick up for friends. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (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 Eldon Taylor - New York Times best-selling author. Presented by Zero Point. Saturday, 1 p.m., Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., Sandpoint. $30. (208) 263-9191.

Author Liza Bley - Reading, discussion and book signing of “Not Your Mother’s Meatloaf: A Sex Education Comic Book.” Since 2008, Saiya Miller and Bley have held an open call for young people to create comics that address a variety of topics involved with sex education. The work is chosen from submissions and attempts to challenge hetero and gender normative practices in sex education. Suggested age is 14 and older. Saturday, 2 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Phillipa Mayall - Book signing of “Phoenix.” Saturday, 2 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Melissa Lowdon - She will sign copies of her book “Trial and Error … Then Repeat.” In her heartening and humorous memoir, Lowdon seeks out her identity and realizes that it is necessary to make mistakes, even big ones. Saturday, 3-5 p.m., Shadle Hastings, 1704 W. Wellesley Ave. (509) 327-6008.