SPECIAL EVENTS

Holiday Book Drive: Barnes & Noble Ala Moana will distribute books — purchased by customers as donations — to nonprofit organizations that promote literacy for children, through tomorrow. 944-3135.

First Thursday, slam poetry competition, open mike and music, with guest Khalil Almustafa, 8:30 p.m. (door open 7:45 p.m.) Thursday, Hawaiian Hut at Ala Moana Hotel; $5. 387-9664, www.hawaiislam.com.

The 2006 Cades Awards for Literature, nominees can be poets, playwrights, novelists, essayists or others associated with the literary arts in Hawai'i. Previous winners are not eligible. Send nominations and supporting material by Jan. 31, 2007 to Cades Award, Box 11213, Honolulu, HI 96828. 263-5627.

BOOK SIGNING

Eddie Sherman signs "Frank, Sammy, Marlon & Me," noon Saturday, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

FOR WRITERS

Honolulu Chapter of the National Writers Association, monthly meeting with manuscript critique, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center; bring at least eight copies of your work, six pages or less in length. 988-8043.

2006 Kumu Kahua Theatre/UH-Manoa Theatre Department Playwriting Contest, prizes in three categories: plays set in Hawai'i or reflect the Hawaiian experience by residents or non-residents, plays set in or dealing with Pacific Island, Pacific Rim or Pacific/Asian American experience by residents or nonresidents, and plays on any topic written by Hawai'i residents. Information: 536-4222, www.kumukahua.org. Entry deadline is Tuesday.

FOR KEIKI

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

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

Preschool Craft & Storytime, 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Barnes & Noble, Kahala (737-3323); and Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana (949-7307).

Read Me a Story, books read by volunteer storytellers, 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Keiki Reading Room in Gallery 31 (lower level of Banyan Court); for 12 and younger and their parents; free for children, included with admission price of $7 for parents. 532-8700.

Keiki Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

Saturday Storytime, 11 a.m. Saturdays, Barnes & Noble, Kahala. 737-3323.

Saturday Morning Storytime, 11 a.m. Saturdays, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana. 949-7307.

Wally Amos Reads to Kids, Amos reads his childrens books and gives out samples of fresh-baked cookies, 2-3 p.m. Saturdays through Jan. 20, Chip & Cookie Store, Kailua; free. 261-1811.

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.