SPECIAL EVENTS

Kealoa, Wordstew poetry slam champion performs for young adults at O'ahu libraries, through July 12; free. Call your local library for possible performance times.

"Pourquoi? Animal How and Why Stories," Vicky Dworkin uses puppets to share stories from around the world, through July 15 at various O'ahu and Neighbor Island public libraries; for all ages; free. Call your local library for possible performance times.

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. www.hawaiipublicradio.org/aloha shorts.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.

Meet the Author, Lee Tonouchi discusses his work as a poet, playwright, editor and teacher in Hawaiian pidgin, 7 p.m. Thursday, 'Aiea Public Library; free. 483-7333.

Jeff Gere performs selections from his CD, "Silly 'n Spooky: Tales of Kids in Hawai'i," 11 a.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall; free. 737-3323. Also, 2 p.m. Saturday, Borders, Waikele; free. 676-6699.

59th annual Friends of the Library Book Sale, large selection of novels, nonfiction, childrens' books, cookbooks, Hawaiiana and music at reduced prices, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, McKinley High School cafeteria; continues 9 a.m.-9 p.m. July 9; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 15; 9 a.m.-noon July 15. free admission. 536-4174.

BOOK SIGNINGS

Ilima Loomis signs "Rough Riders: Hawai'i's Paniolo and Their Stories," noon-1 p.m. Friday, Book Gallery, Hilo. (808) 935-4943.

Tammy Yee signs childrens' books from her "Baby Honu" series, 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 944-3135.

FOR WRITERS

"Zen Pen — Writing as Spiritual Practice," workshop led by Tom Peek for anyone who seeks to explore the human spirit, foster compassion, understand suffering and ease conflict, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Volcano Art Center, Big Island; $55. (808) 967-8222, www.volcanoartcenter.org.

FOR KEIKI

Summer of Unfortunate Events, summer reading using the series of books by Lemony Snicket, 2 p.m. Sundays, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center; free. 949-7307.

Toddler Storytime, for ages 2 and 3, 10 a.m. Mondays through Aug. 21, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

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.

Pre-School Storytime and Activities, stories, sing-alongs and playtime, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays through July 18, Waipahu Public Library. 675-0358.

Preschool Craft & Storytime, 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall, 737-3323 and Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center, 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 under and their parents; free for children, included with admission price of $7 for parents. 532-8700.

"Read To a Dog," children can improve their reading skills by reading aloud to a therapy dog from Hawaii Fi Do Services, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Wahiawa Public Library; for children of all ages. 622-6345. Also, 10 a.m. Mondays through July 10, Kahuku Public and School Library. 293-8935. Registration required at both libraries.

Keiki Story Time, guest librarians read to children ages 6 and under, 10 a.m. Wednesdays through July 12, Kahuku Public and School Library. 293-8935.

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

Storytimes, for all ages, 10 a.m. Thursdays through Aug. 24; also, 10 a.m. Saturdays through Aug. 26 (except July 1 and 22); Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

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

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

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.