UPCOMING

"A FULL MENU OF TASTY MORSELS: Poetry and Prose About Food," topic of Hawai'i Public Radio's next "Aloha Shorts" (locally produced program of writings from Bamboo Ridge Press performed by local celebrities/actors); 6:45 p.m. (music), 7 p.m. readings, Sept. 6, Atherton Performing Arts Studio, 738 Kaheka St.; free (for this taping, audience members are invited to bring canned goods for the Hawai'i Food Bank); reservations recommended, 955-8821.

PLAY READING GROUP, with discussion and dramatic readings, 6 p.m. second Friday monthly (Sept. 11, "Arms and the Man" by George Bernard Shaw), First Unitarian Church; free; bring snacks to share; information, 526-1191.

"FLY ME TO THE MOON," informational program in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, with Nancy Alima Ali, manager of Windward Community College's Imaginarium; 11 a.m. Sept. 12, Hawai'i Kai Public Library; free; information, 397-5833.

BOOK SIGNING

MARIANNE TANABE will sign copies of her book "Before the Silver Cord is Severed: Living in Fullness Before Our Journey's End," 1-3 p.m. Sept. 12, Barnes & Noble, Kahala; information, 888-361-9473.

LIBRARY CHANGES

MAUI BOOKMOBILE, based at Wailuku Public Library, has returned to service, after being shut down since June because of mechanical problems; on a rotating Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday schedule. Information/routes, www.librarieshawaii.org/pdf/Maui+Bookmobile+Fall+09.pdf or at Maui public libraries; information, 808-243-5766.

LAHAINA PUBLIC LIBRARY, Maui, will close Sept. 12-21, due to funding shortages/vacation scheduling. Materials may be returned to other Maui public libraries; information, 831-6877.

WAHIAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY closed through first two weeks of September for Americans with Disabilities Act renovation and resurfacing; "back" bookdrop and sidewalks closed; information, 831-6877.

THELMA PARKER MEMORIAL PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY (on Waimea Elementary and Intermediate School campus, Big Island) has changed schedule: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; closed Sundays and Mondays; information, 808-887-6067.

WAIMANALO PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY closed through Sept. 7 for reroofing work; book drop-off unaffected; patrons advised to use Kailua or Hawai'i Kai libraries, or www.librarieshawaii.org for other services or book catalog.

KEA'AU (BIG ISLAND) PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY has re-opened after closure for health, safety and accessibility improvements and new roof installation; hours remain the same; information, 808-982-4281.

PAHALA PUBLIC LIBRARY (Big Island) closed for construction. No book drop, reading programs or passport application service. Temporary extended hours at Na'alehu Public Library. Information: 831-6877

ESSAY CONTESTS

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; e-mail DAR.AmHistory@yahoo.com.

ONGOING

BILL'S BOOKMOBILE, a bargain book/video store as a library fundraiser, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. first Saturday monthly, 690 Pohukaina St., Kaka'ako; information, 536-4174.

YWCA BROWN-BAG LUNCH BOOK CLUB, noon-1:30 p.m. third Tuesday monthly; Laniakea (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.

FOR KEIKI

KAPOLEI PLAY MORNINGS, free independent keiki play time, with educational toys, for ages 2-5 (with caregiver); 10-10:45 a.m. Thursdays, through Sept. 24, Kapolei Public LIbrary; information, 693-7050.

TODDLER STORYTIME, with stories, sing-alongs, fingerplays and games (also toddler fun time with toys and puzzles); for ages 1 1/2 to 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, Hawai'i State Library, Edna Allyn Children's Room; free; information, 586-3510.

WAIPAHU KEIKI STORYTIME, for children 3-5 years old (with adult supervision), including stories, songs and puzzles/educational toys/crafts activities; 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, through Oct. 13, Waipahu Public Library, C.O. Andy Anderson Room; free; information, 675-0358.

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