SPECIAL

LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH, throughout September, Pearl City Public Library; those younger than 18 must be accompanied by parent/guardian, with valid I.D.; free; 453-6566.

CINDY COMBS, singer, songwriter and slack-key guitar virtuoso, presents performances at the following libraries: 3 p.m., Sept. 14, Kaimuki Public Library; 6:30 p.m., Sept. 15, Mililani Public Library; 6:30 p.m., Sept. 16, 'Aina Haina Public Library; 6:30 p.m., Sept. 17, Kane'ohe Public Library; 6:30 p.m., Sept. 18, Kailua Public Library; 3 p.m., Sept. 19, Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library; noon, Sept. 20, Hawai'i State Library; and 3 p.m., Sept. 20, Hawai'i Kai Public Library; free; 831-6877, or the participating library.

BOOK LAUNCH AND READING of The Bamboo Ridge, Journal of Hawai'i Literature and Arts collection, "Morningside Heights: New York Stories," by Joe Tsujimoto; 7 p.m., Sept. 16, Punahou School, Wo International Center, Luke Lecture Hall; free; 626-1481.

THOMAS HOLLAND will present a discussion, PowerPoint presentation and Q-and-A session on his books, "K.I.A." and "One Drop of Blood," and his role as scientific director, U.S. Department of Defense's Central Identification Laboratory, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18; McCully-Mo'ili'ili Public Library meeting room; free (recommended for ages 12 and older); 973-1099.

"WORDS ABOUT ME," readings from young authors to benefit Children's Literacy Programs in Hawai'i, part of the Kids Talk Story program presented by The Learning for a Lifetime Foundation; 4 p.m. Sept. 18; Wai'oli Tea Room, Manoa; $45; 277-2503, www.kidstalkstory.com.

POETRY SLAM WORKSHOP, "Stylistic Elements," by SlamMaster Kealoha, 7 p.m., Sept. 19; Kahala Mall, Center Court; 732-7736.

WAIMANALO LIBRARY BOOK SALE, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept. 20 and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Waimanalo Public & School Library; free; 259-2610.

DAVE & BUSTER'S MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE SERIES continues with staging of "The Glitch That Stole Christmas"; 7 p.m. Sept. 20, Oct. 11 and 25, and Nov. 15 and 29. Dave & Buster's; $36.95, with meal; reservations: 589-2215.

MARION LYMAN-MERSEREAU, first female crew member of the Hokule'a, will read from her children's book, "Eddie Wen' Go," with three other canoe crew members; 2 p.m. Sept. 20, Kahala store, Ala Moana Center; free; 534-7170.

"NINE IS THE NEW LUCKY NUMBER," The Friends of Waialua Library will showcase nine Hawai'i artists, all of whom either live, work or have lived on the North Shore; through Oct. 31; Waialua Public Library; free; 637-8286.

Youth Speaks Hawai'i, slam poetry workshops, hosted by Kealoha, TravisT, Melvin, Darron and Lyz; 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays; The ARTS at Marks Garage; free; 387-9664.

"Talk Story Radio," weekly radio show hosted by Jeff Gere; 5:30 p.m. Mondays; broadcast on KTUH 90.3 FM, 7 p.m. Thursdays; www.talkstoryradio.com.

BOOK SIGNING

STU GLAUBERMAN AND JERRY BURRIS will sign copies of their book, "The Dream Begins: How Hawai'i Shaped Barack Obama"; noon, Sept. 16, Bestsellers, Bishop Street; 528-2378.

KEVIN WHITTON will sign copies of his book "Green Hawai'i: A Guide to Making Your Home in the Islands More Sustainable and Energy Efficient"; 3 p.m. Sept. 20, Kahala Mall, Center Court; free; 732-7736.

MELODY TOTH will sign copies of her book "Let's Go Bows!"; 2-3 p.m. Sept. 20, Borders, Ward Centre; free; 956-8995.

FOR KEIKI

"watch a Book: afternoon mystery movie," for 5 and older; 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sept. 18, 'Ewa Beach Public & School Library; free; call library for title of mystery novel, 689-1204.

TODDLER/PRESCHOOLERS INTERACTIVE MUSIC PROGRAM, featuring the singing and dancing of Aubrey Meyers of La-ti-Da Music; 10:30 a.m. Sept. 18, 'Aina Haina Public Library auditorium; free (children must be accompanied by adult); 377-2456.

Toddler time storytime, stories read aloud, sing-alongs and rhymes, for babies to toddlers up to age 3; 10-10:30 a.m. Mondays; Hawai'i State Library; free; 586-3510.

Keiki storytime, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. Saturdays; Borders, Waikele; free; 676-6699.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays; Mililani Public Library; free; 627-7470.

Read Me a Story, books read by volunteer storytellers for children 12 and younger and their parents; 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; Honolulu Academy of Arts; free for children, included with $7 admission for parents; 532-8700.

TODDLER STORYTIME, stories, fingerplays, sing-along songs and games for ages 1 1/2 to 3, accompanied by a parent or caregiver; 10 a.m. Tuesdays, through Oct. 28; McCully-Mo'ili'ili Public Library; free; 973-1099.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME AND ACTIVITIES, with Ms. Christine, for stories read aloud and sing-along songs, followed by playtime activities for ages 3-5, must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver; 10:30-11:15 a.m. through Oct. 28; Waipahu Public Library; free; 675-0358.

FALL STORYTIMES, sing-alongs and other activities, for ages 3 and older with a parent or caregiver; 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 19; Pearl City Public Library; free; 453-6566.

Keiki storytime, stories, songs, sing-alongs and other activities; 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays; Kahuku Public & School Library; free; 293-8935.

FALL STORYTIME, stories, sing-along songs, finger plays and more for ages 3-5; 10::30-11:15 a.m. Wednesdays, through Nov. 26; 'Ewa Beach Public & School Library; free; 689-1204.

Keiki storytimE, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays; Borders, Ward Centre; free; 591-8995.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME, for children ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver; 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 10; Hawai'i Kai Public Library; free; 397-5833.

Keiki storytime, stories read aloud, finger plays and occasional crafts for ages 2-5; 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays; Kailua Public Library; free; 266-9911.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME, with Ms. Jolene, for stories read aloud, sing-along songs and crafts, for ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver; 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 22; Wahiawa Public Library; free; 622-5345.

Preschool storytime, stories read aloud, sing-alongs, finger plays and a simple craft, for ages 3-5; 4 p.m. Wednesdays; Waikiki-Kapahulu Public Library; free; 733-8488.

PLAY MORNINGS, for keiki ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult; 10 a.m. Thursdays through Sept. 28; Kapolei Public Library; free; 693-7050.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME, stories read aloud, sing-along songs, finger plays and a simple craft, for ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver; 10 a.m. Thursdays through Dec. 18; Wai'anae Public Library; free; 697-7868.

FALL PUZZLETIMES, with educational board puzzles, storytime, songs, fingerplays and activities, for ages 1 1/2 to 3, with a parent or caregiver; 9:30 a.m. Thursdays through Nov. 21; Pearl City Public Library; free; 453-6566.

SATURDAY STORYTIME, for ages 3 and older, accompanied by a parent or caregiver; 10:30-11 a.m. Saturdays; Hawai'i State Library; free; 586-3510.

Send announcements, with contact name and phone number, to: Lit Beat, Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com, with "Lit Beat" in the subject line; or fax 525-8055.