SPECIAL EVENTS

Library Book Sale, paperbacks 25 cents each and other books and videos 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.

Library Book Sale, quarterly sale of books, CDs and videos, 9 a.m.5 p.m. tomorrow, Kahuku Public & School Library; continues noon-8 p.m. Tuesday; free admission. 293-8935.

Aloha Shorts, weekly radio show with readings of short stories from local authors, 5 p.m. Mondays, on Hawaii Public Radio station KIPO 89.3 with host Cedric Yamanaka. This week, Advertiser columnist Lee Cataluna reads from her book, "Folks You Meet in Longs and other Short Stories." www.hawaiipublic radio.org/alohashorts.htm.

Talk Story Radio, weekly radio show, hosted by Jeff Gere, 5:30 p.m. Mondays on Hawaii Public Radio station KIPO 89.3 FM, 7 p.m. Thursdays on KTUH 90.3 FM. www.talkstoryradio .com.

"Building a Novel From the Ground Up," Floyd McCoy presents the third in a series of talks on "Ka'a'awa," by O.A. Bushnell, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Windward Community College Hale Akoakoa 101; free. College students, staff and the public are encouraged to read the historical novel for this year's Common Book Project. 235-7436.

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. Wednesday, The ARTS at Marks Garage; free. 387-9664.

"The Autobiography of an Anthropological Misfit," lecture by Takie Lebra, noon-1:15 p.m. Thursday, UH-Manoa's Henke Hall, Room 325; free; part of the Brown Bag Biography series. 956-3774.

Alexander McCall Smith, author of the "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series presents a talk, "On Being a Serial Novelist," 7 p.m. Thursday; also, "An Evening with Alexander McCall Smith: a Reading and Conversation," 7 p.m. Friday. Both events at the UH-Manoa Campus Center ballroom are free; book signing and book sale to follow both events. 956-7584.

Cathy Song Poetry Reading, author of "Picture Bride" and "The Land of Bliss," reads from her work, 7 p.m. Friday, Niaulani Campus Great Room, Volcano Village, Big Island; free, sponsored by Volcano Art Center. (808) 967-8222, www.volcanoart center.org.

Leslie Lang and David A. Byrne, authors of "Mauna Kea: A Guide to Hawai'i's Sacred Mountain," give a presentation about Mauna Kea, answer questions and sign their book, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i, Hilo, Big Island; free. (808) 969-9700.

"It's Na'au or Newa," 16 contemporary Hawaiian artists and poets exhibit their works, coordinated by the Bishop Museum, part of the Maoli Arts Month (MAMo) Festival, through Saturday, The ARTS at Marks Garage. 521-2903.

In-Store BookFair, students of Ron Bright's art program perform scenes and songs from the upcoming production of "Lil' Abner," 9 a.m.-11 p.m. March 26, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center; ask for a book-fair voucher when you make a purchase, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Castle High School's Performing Arts Center. 949-7307.

BOOK SIGNINGS

Malcolm Naea Chun discusses and signs "Pono, The Way of Living," the first volume of eleven that explore the philosophy and culture of Native Hawaiians, 2-4 p.m. today, Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i, Ward Warehouse. 596-8885.

Samuel King and Randall Roth sign "Broken Trust," 2-3 p.m. today, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323. Also, noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, UH-Manoa Bookstore, Campus Center (956-4338) and 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Bestsellers, Bishop Square (528-2378).

Lois-Ann Yamanaka signs "Behold the Many," 2 p.m. today, Basically Books, Hilo. (808) 961-0144.

Elmer Guzman offers food samples and signs "The Shoreline Chef," 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Navy Exchange, Mall at Pearl Harbor. 423-3216, 423-3344.

Jackie J. Kim signs "Hidden Treasures: Lives of First Generation Korean Women in Japan," noon Saturday, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

Jennifer Archer signs her Harlequin Next series book "My Perfectly Imperfect Life," 2 p.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 949-7307.

READING GROUPS

Mystery Divas Book Club, discussion of Janet Evanovich's "One for the Money" and Faye Kellerman's "Ritual Bath," 2 p.m. today, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 949-7307.

Romance Readers, discussion of Laura Willig's "The Secret History of the Pink Carnation," 7 p.m. Thursday, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 949-7307.

FOR WRITERS

Writers', Poets' and Playwrights' Group, discussion for authors, 6 p.m. today, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

Writing Retreat, Lillian Cunningham leads writers to create a story, poem, memoir or essay from a starter prompt and offers, with the group, noncritical responses to the works, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Windward Community College Hale Na'auao 146; $5. 235-7433.

The Living Thread, two-day work-shop with Cathy Song for poets who would like to find the theme that runs through a body of work and rewriting or adding poems to hone their vision, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and March 26, Volcano Art Center, Big Island; $125. (808) 967-8222, www.volcano artcenter.org.

Maui Arts & Cultural Center seeks quotes to be included on new outdoor benches on the theme, "What do art and culture mean to you?" Quotes may be your own or from persons or sources that have inspired you. Submit up to three original or cited statements, 60 words or less, with the your contact information and the author's name and, if known, their age, address, phone and e-mail to kristina@mauiarts .org or call (808) 242-2787. Deadline is April 1.

VSA arts seeks submissions of original one-act plays from students in grades 6-12 for the 22nd annual Playwright Discovery Award. Two winning scripts, which express how disability affects a person's life, will be selected for performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and the authors will receive up to $1,500 and a trip to Washington, D.C. to see their play performed. Guidelines and application: www .vsarts.org, (800) 933-8721. Submission deadline is April 14.

Aloha Performing Arts Company (Big Island) requests scripts for the Aug. 16-20 Original Play Festival. Selected plays will be mounted as stage readings with minimal rehearsal and simple technical presentation. For requirements: (808) 322-9924. Postmark deadline is May 27.

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, ages 4 and younger, 9-9:45 a.m. and 10:30-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Kalihi-Palama Public Library. 832-3466.

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