Literary calendar

Spokane Poetry Slam Finals - This slam features the top eight poets from the 2013-2014 Spokane Poetry Slam season. The finals will determine who will be on the team representing Spokane at the National Poetry Slam in Oakland, California, this August. All-age event; content not censored. Today, 8 p.m., The Bartlett, 228 W. Sprague Ave. $8/advance; $10/door. (509) 747-2174.

Deer Park Library Book Club – Discussion of “Unbroken; a World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand. Wednesday, noon-1 p.m., Deer Park Library, 208 S. Forest, Deer Park. Free. (509) 893-8300.

I Spy: Preschool Storytime and Craft - Bring your sharp eyes and smart brains to this story time. Come hear some special I Spy books that will get you thinking, then stay for a fun craft. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Literary Freedom Book Group - Discussion of “The Power of One” by Bryce Courtney. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Songwriter’s Open Mic - Hosted by Laddie Ray Melvin and the Spokane Songwriters Organization. Share a song or just give a listen. Wednesday, 7-9 p.m., Grande Ronde, 906 W. Second Ave. Free. (509) 455-8161.

Hope in Hard Times: Tell Me a Story - Let the Spokane Storytelling League open a window into daily life in the Great Depression, as they share stories, both true and fictional, about people facing unusual and challenging circumstances which tested their perseverance, resilience and ingenuity. Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Free. (509) 893-8400.

Author Polly Buckingham - Reading, discussion and book signing of “Years of Silence.” Her chap book was the winner of the 2012 Jeanne Leiby Memorial Chapbook Award. Her stories and poems appear in numerous periodicals including the Threepenny Review, the New Orleans Review, the North American Review, the Tampa Review, the Literary Review, the Potomac Review, the Moth and elsewhere. She was a finalist for Flannery O’Connor Award in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Buckingham is founding editor of StringTown Press and teaches creative writing and literature at Eastern Washington University. Friday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Spokane Comicon – The eighth annual comic book and pop culture convention. This grass-roots show features special guests, local artists, variety of vendors selling collectibles, all-ages costume contest at 4 p.m. in the auditorium, panels, gaming, exclusives, freebies and more. Canned food donations benefit SCC Student Food Bank. Visit www.spokanecomicon.com. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Spokane Community College, Lair/Student Center Building 6, 1810 N. Greene St. $8/general; free/age 12 and younger; $1 off admission with canned food donation. (509) 262-8923.

Sparky! Storytime - When a little girl decides she wants a pet, she orders a sloth … and gets less than she expects. This charming, laugh-out-loud story by Jenny Offill is sure to please any youngster who is just begging for a pet of their own. No craft today. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Author Richard Harlan Miller - Reading, discussion and book signing of “The Gas Hat: Seduction and Dismay in Marin County.” This is Miller’s second novel, which takes a gleefully twisted look at fringe-dwellers in blissful Marin County. The result is a stoner-noir tale of seduction, delusion, and the comic joys of self-medication. Saturday, 2 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.