Literary Calendar

BootSlam - 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. Sign-up at 7 p.m. Today, 7:30 p.m., Boots Bakery, 24 W. Main Ave. $5/competitors; $5/suggested donation for spectators. (509) 703-7223.

Llama Llama Preschool Storytime - Llama knows about many things, like sharing and having patience. Come hear the latest book in which he teaches you how to handle bullies. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Poetry Scribes of Spokane - Wholesome poetry for ages 18 and older. Bring a favorite poem to read. Wednesday, 1 p.m., North Spokane County Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. (509) 796-2180.

Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers Luncheon Meeting - Barbara Nichols will discuss book development and editing. She was an editor for children’s book companies for 20 years and editorial director at HCI, the publisher of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. Social at 11 a.m.; meeting at noon. Thursday, Teppanyaki Restaurant, 5504 N. Division St. $10/lunch purchase. (509) 9991-4011.

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., Aun+tie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Three Minute Mic - Open mic poetry. Read an original poem or a personal favorite. Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m., 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Back to School Storytime - Come hear stories that’ll make going back to school a little easier, and make a bookworm pencil. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Esther J. Hildahl - Signing of her children’s book, “Meadow Pond.” The book tells the story of Web Frog, his friends, and their adventures as they battle the mean Red Boat kids and Hes-per, the monster snake. Saturday, 2-4 p.m., Shadle Hastings, 1704 W. Wellesley Ave. (509) 327-6008.

Author Kenn Nesbitt - Nesbitt is an award-winning children’s poet and the current U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate. His newest book, “Kiss, Kiss Good Night,” shows how mommy animals put their babies to bed. These soothing bedtime poems are perfect for getting little ones to settle down. Come hear some poems and find out what it’s like to be a Poet Laureate of the United States. Saturday, 2 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.