Literary calendar

BootSlam - This is an all ages performance poetry competition organized by Spokane Poetry Slam, with featured poet Morris Stegosaurus. Poets will have three minutes per round to perform their own original work, without the aid of costumes, props, or music. 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. Discretion is advised. Sign-ups at 7 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m., Boots Bakery, 24 W. Main Ave. $5 for competitors or spectators. (509) 703-7223.

Lunchtime Book Group: “Swamplandia” - Join us for an informal, brown-bag lunch and book discussion. This month we will be discussing the Spokane is Reading selection “Swamplandia,” by Karen Russell. Wednesday, noon, Spokane Public Library - Downtown , 906 W. Main Ave., Meeting Room 1B. Free. (509) 444-5336.

Boom! Sequential Reaction: A History of the American Comic Book - Whether comic books are part of your past, present or future, enjoy this interactive, multimedia look at comics in historical context, presented by Andrew Wahl in participation with Humanities Washington. Free. Wednesday, 2 p.m., Cheney Library, 610 First St., Cheney, (509) 893-8280; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road, Millwood, (509) 893-8260; Thursday, 7 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road, (509) 893-8350.

Mudgy and Millie Birthday Party - Annual event hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. “Mudgy & Millie” author Susan Nipp and sculptor Terry Lee will be there to sign copies of the book. The celebration will also feature a group reading and singing, an appearance by Mudgy and Millie, photo opportunities, and, of course, birthday cake. Kids who already have a copy of the book can get a special birthday stamp. Copies of the book as well as “Mudgy & Millie” plush toys are available to buy. Proceeds benefit the Library Foundation. Saturday, 11 a.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, Community Room, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 769-2315, ext. 426.

Spokane Novelists Group - Meets the second and fourth Saturday of each month, noon-4 p.m. Please bring seven to eight copies of no more than 10 pages each. Review of fiction only, including novels and short stories. Please no memoirs, poetry or children’s books. Saturday, noon, Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. (509) 590-7316.

The Wordwright’s Workshop - Liz Marlin will lead a session focusing on the performance aspect of poetry. No experience is necessary, and no need to bring prepared work. For all ages. Saturday, 4:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.