SPECIAL EVENTS

Library Book Sale, hardcover nonfiction books 75 cents each plus others at reduced prices, sponsored by Friends of the Pearl City Library, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today, Pearl City Public Library; free admission. 453-6566.

All Books for Children, book drive to collect new and gently used children's books to support learning and literacy efforts; drop off books tomorrow through Aug. 31 at O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i and Big Island Starbucks stores (except airport and Barnes & Noble Cafe locations). 778-5410.

Poetry Slam Workshop for Teens, ongoing Youth Speaks Hawai'i workshops in written and spoken word for students ages 13-19, working with members of the HawaiiSlam team, 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, The ARTS at Marks Garage; free. 387-9664.

Youth Speaks Hawai'i Poetry Slam, open mike for poets ages 13-19, but all ages are invited to attend, 3:30-5 p.m. Saturday, The ARTS at Marks Garage; free. 387-9664, www.youthspeakshawaii.org, .

SIGNINGS/READINGS

Bruce McNair signs "Kanji Learned Through Phonic-mnemonics," 2 p.m. today, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

Patrick Ching, author and illustrator of "The Tale of Rabbit Island" and "The Story of Hina," signs his works, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Gift Shop. 396-4229.

Ann Stamp Miller signs "The Cultural Politics of the German Democratic Republic," 7 p.m. Friday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

FOR WRITERS

Creative Living II: Money Business, Cristina Salat on how to nourish your creative dreams with practical economic realities, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Volcano Art Center, Big Island; $45. (808) 967-8222.

Windward Community College seeks former students and faculty or others affiliated with the campus with memories, stories and art they would like to share for the 25th anniversary edition of the college's literary and art journal, Rain Bird. Submissions may be poetry, essays, prose or songs written by the individual or shared by tape or through an interview with current staff. Entry forms available at Hale Akoakoa on campus or downloadable from www.wcc.hawaii.edu/rainbird. Deadline for entries is Sept. 23.

2nd annual Writing Contest, O'ahu Arts Center seeks submissions in fiction, nonfiction and poetry from Hawai'i residents; $10 fee per entry (one entry per category). Prospectus available at ez@hawaii.rr.com or 627-1079. Deadline is Nov. 15.

READING GROUP

American Girls Club, young readers discussion of Gary Soto's "Marisol," 7 p.m. Thursday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

FOR KEIKI

Toddler Storytime, for ages 2-3, 10 a.m. Mondays, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

Tiny Tales for Tiny Tots, stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft to take home, for keiki 4 years and younger, 9-9:45 a.m. and 10:30-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Kalihi-Palama Public Library. 832-3466.

Keiki Storytime, 11 a.m. Saturdays, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995. Send announcements, with contact name and phone number, to Lit Beat, Island Life, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; islandlife@honoluluadvertiser .com, with "Lit Beat" in the subject line; or fax 525-8055.