Lit Beat

Advertiser Staff

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Talking book kickoff 10 a.m. Thursday, The Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, 402 Kapahulu Ave.; statewide awareness campaign; high-quality recordings of books of all types available free to those who qualify, senior citizens, the visually impaired and physically challenged. 831-6877.

FOR WRITERS

• Original play festival seeking script submissions, any topic, three copies, typewritten, double spaced, numbered pages, bound; three performance quality audiotapes or CDs with voice tracks must accompany musicals. Winning plays will be staged; send to KAPA OPF IX, P.O. Box 5502, Kailua, Kona, HI 96745; deadline May 17. (808) 322-9924.

SIGNINGS/READINGS

• Fifth annual authors' night, 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Waialua Public Library, 67-068 Kealohanui; guest authors will speak and sign their books which will be available for purchase: Kerry Germaine, author of "Surf's Up For Kimo"; Bob Graham, "The Secret of Kualoa"; Sandra Hall, "Memories of Duke: The Legend Comes to Life"; Dale Hope, "Aloha Shirt"; Claude Rothe, "100 Steps to Better Health"; Fred Van Dyke, four books and a "Surfing for Life" video; Rianna Williams, three Hawaiian books; and Rick Ziegler, "Red Sun."

• Risa Kaparo will read from her spiritual autobiography, "Embrace" 7 p.m. Wednesday, Borders Lihu'e, Kaua'i.

• Nora Okja Keller, reading from her latest novel, "Fox Girl," 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, University of Hawai'i-Manoa, Art Auditorium; 7 p.m. reception and book signing; book signing noon Saturday, Borders Ward Centre; also the author of "Comfort Woman."

• Samrat Upadhyay, author of "Arresting God in Kathmandu," and recipient of a doctoral degree in creative writing from the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, 7 p.m. Friday, Korean Studies Auditorium; free.

READERS GROUPS

• Aloha chapter romance writers of America, meeting 10 a.m. Saturday, Aina Haina Public Library, 5246 Kalaniana'ole Highway; topic: characterization; guests welcome. 739-7722.

• Literature Readers Group, meets 7 p.m. Tuesday, Borders, Ward Centre.

• Romantic Borders Readers Group, meets 7 p.m. Thursday, Borders, Ward Centre.

FOR KEIKI

• Winnie the pooh, featured storytime guest, 11 a.m. Saturday, Children's Amphitheater, Borders, Ward Centre; free.

• Young Authors' Reading Group, grades one through six, 10 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesday, Borders, Waikele.

• Barnes & Noble Craft and Story Time, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, top level, Kahala Mall; free. 737-3323.

• Young Authors' Reading Group, grades one through six, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Borders, Waikele.