Booktoberfest Book Sale - Nearly 16,000 new and gently used books, CDs, DVDs and magazines are available for purchase to raise funds for the animals of the Spokane Humane Society. Most items will be under $1. Today, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Spokane Humane Society, Big Red Barn, 6607 N. Havana St. Free admission. (509) 467-5235, ext. 211.

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 content is not censored. Sign-ups at 7 p.m. Today, Boots Bakery, 24 W. Main Ave. $5 for competitors or spectators. (509) 703-7223.

Poet B.H. Fairchild - Fairchild has received numerous honors and awards for his poetry that evokes the rural landscapes of Texas and Kansas. He has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation. He has been awarded the William Carlos Williams Award, the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, the Aiken Taylor Award, the Arthur Rense Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the PEN Center USA West Poetry Award. Monday, 7 p.m., Whitworth University, Hixson Union Building, 300 W. Hawthorne Road, Country Homes. Free. (509) 777-3253.

Author Sherry Jones Book Launch Reception - Purchase copies of “The Sharp Hook of Love” at Auntie’s and receive a free glass of champagne at the reception next door at Sante Restaurant. The book is set in 12th century Paris where Heloise, an alluring wit, captures the eye of one of the greatest philosophers in France. Tuesday, 5 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Author Sherry Waldrip - National speaker, humorist and author of the award-winning book “I Don’t Remember Signing Up for Cancer!” Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St. Free. (509) 444-5307.

Authors Mark Parsons and Wendelin Van Draanen - Interested in knowing more about how the publishing industry works? Get some inspiration from a pair of Random House authors who will discuss the writing process, dealing with agents, editors and publishers and the book-to-movie experience. Van Draanen is the author of over 30 books including Sammy Keyes mysteries, “The Running Dream” and “Flipped.” Parsons’ debut book, “Road Rash,” has been nominated for YALSA’s 2015 Best Fiction for Young Adults. Tuesday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

“I’m My Own Dog” Storytime and Craft - This dog takes care of himself just fine until he meets a man. Now he must teach the man to do tricks, put him on a leash and keep him clean. Is it worth it? Hear the story and decide for yourself. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Lunchtime Book Group - Bring your lunch and join an informal book discussion. This month’s book is “Lowland” by Jhumpa Lahiri. Wednesday, noon, Spokane Public Library - Downtown , 906 W. Main Ave., Room 1B. Free. (509) 444-5336.

Author Sean Smith - Reading, discussion and signing of “Unleashing Colter’s Hell” and “Lost Cause.” Set in national parks, the novels are action-packed, fast-paced adventures. He may even share a few inside stories of park ranger adventures. Friday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Bully Awareness Storytime - October is Bully Awareness Month. Auntie’s will read books about finding the courage to stick up for your friends. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Spokane Novelists Group - Meets the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, noon-4 p.m. Please bring 7-8 copies of a chapter or manuscript of no more than 10 pages each. Review of fiction only, including novels and short stories. Please no memoirs, poetry, children’s books or any form of non-fiction. Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. (509) 590-7316.

Star Wars Reads Day - Third annual event with costume contest, door prizes, games, activities, crafts and refreshments. Saturday, 1 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, Community Room, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 769-2315.

The Wordwright’s Workshop - Hosted by Isaac Grambo. Anyone with an interest in writing, poetry, or spoken word is welcome to attend. Content and language are not censored. Saturday, 4:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.