SPECIAL EVENTS

Library Book Sale, fiction books 50 cents each, plus others at reduced prices, sponsored by Friends of the Pearl City Library, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today, Pearl City Public Library; free. 453-6566.

"Re: Verses," Travis Thompson, Allison Francis and Selah host spoken-word artists including a Youth Speaks group from Providence, R.I., Darron Cambia, Marika, Kai White and others, with an open-mike session and jazz, 8-10 p.m. Tuesday, The ARTS at Marks Garage; $5. 521-2903.

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 Wednesday 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

Marion Coste signs "The Hawaiian Bat: 'Ope'ape'a," noon-1 p.m. today, Borders Express, Windward Mall, Kane'ohe. 235-8044.

READING GROUP

Adventures in Reading, young readers discuss Barbara Robinson's "The Best School Year Ever," 7 p.m. Thursday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

FOR WRITERS

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 staff. Entry forms available at Hale Akoakoa on campus, or download 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, 99:45 a.m. and 10:30-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Kalihi-Palama Public Library. 832-3466.

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.