SPECIAL EVENTS

All Books for Children, book drive to collect new and gently used children's books to support learning and literacy efforts; drop off books through Aug. 31 at O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i and Big Island Starbucks stores (except airport and Barnes & Noble Cafe locations). 778-5410.

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

SIGNINGS/READINGS

Kimo Armitage, author, and Solomon Enos, illustrator, read from and sign "Akua Hawai'i: Hawaiian Gods and Their Stories," 7 p.m. Thursday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

Piper Nicole discusses and signs "The For Sale by Owner Handbook," 7 p.m. Friday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

Marion Coste signs "The Hawaiian Bat: 'Ope'ape'a," noon-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Borders Express, Kahala Mall. 737-9550.

READING GROUP

Contemporary Fiction Reading Group, group discussion of David Maine's "The Preservationist," 7 p.m. Wednesday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

FOR WRITERS

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

Kumu Kahua Theatre offers a playwriting workshop, led by Harry Wong III and Dennis Carroll, for those working on an original play, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every other Saturday, Sept. 3 through Dec. 10, at the theater, 46 Merchant St.; free. Call for requirements: 536-4222.

Windward Community College seeks former students and faculty or others affiliated with the campus with memories, stories and art they would like to share for the 25th anniversary edition of the college's literary and art journal, Rain Bird. Submissions may be poetry, essays, prose or songs written by the individual or shared by tape or through an interview with current staff. Entry forms available at Hale Akoakoa on campus or downloadable from www.wcc.hawaii.edu/rainbird. Deadline for entries is Sept. 23.

2nd annual Writing Contest, O'ahu Arts Center seeks submissions in fiction, nonfiction and poetry from Hawai'i residents; $10 fee per entry (one entry per category). Prospectus available at ez@hawaii.rr.com or 627-1079. Deadline is Nov. 15.

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, for keiki 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 Mall. 737-3323.

Preschool Storytime, for ages 3-4, 10 a.m. Thursdays, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

Saturday Storytimes, 10 a.m. Saturdays, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

Keiki Storytime, 11 a.m. Saturdays, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

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