See a comprehensive list of literary events at www.honoluluadvertiser.com/islandlife.

HAWAII LITERACY ORIENTATIONS, for those who want to become volunteer reading tutors; 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4, Kapolei Public Library, no registration required, 693-7050; and 3-5 p.m. Nov. 8, Borders, Ward Centre, 537-6706.

"SNOWFLAKE TEA PARTY," third annual afternoon tea fundraiser for The Learning For a Lifetime Foundation, to fund local literacy programs, with student readings and silent auction; 4 p.m. Nov. 5, Waioli Tea Room, Mänoa; $45; information, 277-2503.

"NATURE WRITING IN THE RAIN FOREST," writing workshop for beginning and experienced writers, with award-winning author Dorothy Hinshaw Patent; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 7, Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus, Volcano Village, Big Island; $60, subsidies available; 808-967-8222, www.volcanoartcenter.org.

UPCOMING

AUTHOR TOM COFFMAN will read from and lead discussion of his revised book, "Nation Within: The History of the American Occupation of Hawaii"; 3 p.m. Nov. 1, Revolution Books; free admission and parking; information, 944-3106.

"MAN-KINE," state Rep. Marcus R. Oshiro will read pieces "all about men" from the Bamboo Ridge Press, Issue 94, as part of Hawaii Public Radio's live taping of "Aloha Shorts"; 6:45 p.m. music, 7 p.m. readings, Nov. 1, Atherton Performing Arts Studio, 738 Kaheka St.; free; reservations recommended, 955-8821.

"THE PICKLE LADY" COOKING DEMONSTRATION by Leonora Ching, author of the "Pickle Lady's Pickle Passion" cookbook; 5:30 p.m. Nov. 2, Hawaii Kai Public Library; suitable for ages 12 and older; information, 397-5833.

RHYTHM AND RHYME POETRY CLASSES, series of four, with Skye White, "The Soul Poet"; 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 3-Dec. 1; series, $20; open to all ages, seniors encouraged; full schedule/information, 923-1802.

BILL'S BOOKMOBILE, a bargain book/video store state library fundraiser; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 7, 690 Pohukaina St., Kakaako; information, 536-4174.

BOOK SIGNINGS

MUTUAL PUBLISHING BOOK SIGNINGS; information, 732-1709, www.mutualpublishing.com:

• DORINDA LUM and MICHAEL FURUYA will sign copies of their children's book "Keoni's Special Gift," 3-4 p.m. Nov. 1, Native Books/Nä Mea Hawai'i, Ward Warehouse; and 11 a.m. Nov. 3, Barnes & Noble, Kähala.

• Chef SAM CHOY will sign copies of his book, "Poke," 10 a.m. Nov. 7, Border's, Waikele; 2 p.m. Nov. 7, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana; 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Nov. 8, NEX (Navy Exchange); and 1-2 p.m. Nov. 8, Target store, Salt Lake.

• HIDEAKI "SANTA" MIYOSHI author of the cookbook "Izakaya Hawai'i: Tokkuri Tei Cooking," and will offer a cooking demonstration; 12 p.m. Nov. 7, Macy's-Ala Moana.

• JOYCE CASSEN, NORMAN AND SARAH LEVEY will sign copies of "Daniel's Ocean Views," 1 p.m. Nov. 8, Barnes and Noble, Kähala.

• GALYN WONG will sign "What Hawai'i Likes to Eat, Hana Hou!", 1 p.m. Nov. 8, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana.

ESSAY CONTESTS

ELLIOT CADES AWARD: Hawai'i Literary Arts Council accepting nominations for 2009 Elliot Cades Awards for Literature, which recognize an established writer and an emerging writer — including poets, playwrights, novelists, essayists and others; nominations must include a letter summarizing writer's achievements and samples of the writer's work; send to Hawai'i Literary Arts Council, P.O. Box 11213, Honolulu, HI 96828; deadline Jan. 15.

ESSAY CONTEST, for grades 5-8, about the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, sponsored by the Aloha Chapter, National Society For the Daughters of the American Revolution. Entries accepted through January; for information, e-mail DAR.AmHistory@yahoo.com.

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS ESSAY CONTEST, for grades 9-12, prize of $1,200 and paid lodging and transportation to Washington, D.C., in October 2010 to read prize-winning essay on Columbus Day, sponsored by Aloha Chapter, National Society For the Daughters of the American Revolution. Entries accepted through January; for information, e-mail DAR.AmHistory@yahoo.com.

ONGOING

YWCA BROWN-BAG LUNCH BOOK CLUB, 12-1:30 p.m. third Tuesday monthly; Laniäkea (old Richards Street) YWCA; information, 538-7061.

Youth Speaks Hawaii, slam poetry workshops, 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, The ARTS at Marks Garage; free; 387-9664.

PLAY READING GROUP, with discussion and dramatic readings, 6 p.m. second Friday monthly, First Unitarian Church; free; bring snacks to share; information, 526-1191.

FOR KEIKI

KAILUA KEIKI STORYTIME, with stories, finger plays and crafts, for ages 2-5; 11-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, through Nov. 4, and Nov. 18-Dec. 16, Kailua Public Library; information, 266-9911.

TODDLER STORYTIME, with stories, sing-alongs, finger plays and games (also toddler fun time with toys and puzzles), for ages 1 1/2-3 years old (with adult supervision); 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays, through Nov. 24, McCully-Mo'ili'ili Public Library; free; 973-1099.

"TODDLER TIME" STORYTIME, for babies and toddlers (with caregivers), with stories, rhymes, sing-alongs and puzzles; 10:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays, through Nov. 24, Hawaii State Library, Edna Allyn Children's Room; free; information, 586-3510.

KAIMUKI CHILDREN'S STORYTIME, for children preschool age and older, with stories, finger plays, rhymes and craft session; 10:30-11 a.m. Sundays, through Dec. 6; information, 733-8422.

HAWAII KAI PUBLIC LIBRARY FALL CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS; library meeting room; free; information, 397-5833:

• Preschool storytime, for children 3-5 years old (with caregiver), with stories, sing-alongs, finger plays and make-and-take craft sessions; 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, through Dec. 23.

• Toddler Puzzletime, for ages 1 1/2-3 years (with caregiver), with educational puzzles, toys, storytime, songs and finger plays; 10:30 a.m. first Thursdays monthly.

SATURDAY KEIKI STORYTIME, for children 3 and older (with adult supervision), including stories, songs and rhymes; 10:30-11 a.m. Saturdays, Hawaii State Library, Edna Allyn Children's Room; free; information, 586-3510.

Keiki storytime, with books, games and songs; 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. Saturdays, Borders, Waikele; free; 676-6699. Also, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Borders, Ward Centre; free; 591-8995.

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

Read Me a Story, for children 12 and under and their parents; 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, Honolulu Academy of Arts; children inclu ded with parents' $7 admission; 532-8700.

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