Literary calendar

Banned Books Week with Chris Crutcher - Author Chris Crutcher will speak about the controversy and censorship of his award-winning writing. Monday, 7 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., (509) 893-8400; Wednesday, 7 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road, (509) 893-8350.

Banned Books Panel Discussion - September is Banned Books Month and Auntie’s will host a spirited discussion of censorship with several writers and special guests. Panelists will include authors Sherry Jones, Jill Malone, Chris Crutcher, Spokesman-Review columnists Doug Clark and Shawn Vestal, and Eva Silvertone of the Spokane Public Library. Tuesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Coeur d’Alene Public Library Pageturners Books Club – Discussion on “The School of Essential Ingredients” by Erica Bauermeister and the 2013 selection for North Idaho Reads. Wednesday, 10:15 a.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 769-2315, ext. 426.

Down on the Farm Preschool Storytime - With harvest season just around the corner, come hear some stories featuring barnyard friends. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

“Can’t Wait Willow” - Willow is so excited that Over-the Top Circus has finally come to town. The only problem is she is distracted by enticing treats and fun that she just can’t turn down, eventually arriving late with no money. Treats will follow. Wednesday, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 922-4104.

Literary Freedom Book Group - Discussion on “The Sisters Brothers” by Patrick DeWim. Walk-ins are always welcome. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author Bonita Gilbert - The Coeur d’Alene author presents “Building for War: The Epic Saga of the Civilian Contractors and Marines of Wake Island in World War II.” Written and presented by the daughter and granddaughter of civilians who served on the remote Pacific island called Wake. Gilbert has a master’s in history from the University of Oregon and teaches history at North Idaho College. Thursday, 6:30 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 893-8350.

Poet Laureate Kathleen Flenniken - The Washington state poet laureate Kathleen Flenniken will give a reading with Janee Bauer. Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Newport Public Library, 116 S. Washington Ave., Newport, Wash. (509) 447-2111.

Author Jan Martinez – A reading of the book “Christ Kitchen.” Martinez writes about working with women living in poverty. Her work provides thoughtful solutions suited to individuals or groups. She is an adjunct professor at Whitworth University. Thursday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Janee Baugher - In her new collection, “The Body’s Physics,” Baugher employs scientific sensibilities while exploring poetic possibilities of the human body. This work concerns the body’s development, the mind/body connection, nature’s influence on physicality and the human form as depicted in visual arts. Friday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Poet Laureate Kathleen Flenniken - The Washington state poet laureate Kathleen Flenniken will give a reading with Laura Read and Maya Jewell Zeller. Friday, 7 p.m., Chewelah Civic Center, 301 E. Clay Ave., Chewelah, Wash. (509) 935-6805.

Ninth Annual SCBWI Conference – Representatives from Scholastic Press, Transatlantic Lit, Cricket Magazine and more will discuss the craft and business of writing and illustrating for children at the conference for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Space is limited. Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside Ave. $130. (509) 838-5371.

Cat in the Hat Visits Us - Dr. Seuss’ character the Cat in the Hat will visit for storytime. Treats will follow. 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. No poetry, nonfiction, memoirs, etc., please. 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 Bonita Gilbert - The North Idaho College history professor will discuss her book, “Building for War: The Epic Saga of the Civilian Contractors and Marines of Wake Island in World War II.” Saturday, 2 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 893-8400.

Author Melissa Lowdon – She will sign copies of her book “Trial and Error … Then Repeat.” Lowdon addresses the challenge of making the best out of your mistakes in her heartening and humorous memoir, a tale in which she seeks out her identity and realizes that it is necessary to make mistakes. Saturday, 3-5 p.m., Hastings, 15312 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 924-0667.

Author Michael Koep - Book launch for his fantasy-filled novel, “The Invasion of Heaven.” The evening will feature a reading as well as live music, art, sword fights, food and drink in keeping with the book’s story. Saturday, 7 p.m., White Room, 117 W. Pacific Ave. Free. (208) 446-9696.