SPECIAL EVENTS

Youth Speaks Hawai'i, free slam poetry workshops, hosted by Kealoha, TravisT, Melvin, Darron, and Lyz; 4-5:30 p.m. July11; The ARTS at Marks Garage; free; 387-9664.

BOOK SIGNINGS

Larry Winnik signs "Hanauma Bay: Hawai'i's Coastal Treasure," 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 11; Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Gift Shop; free; 396-4229.

Yuko Green signs "Over On the Island," and other humu (turtle) books, 12-1 p.m. July 14; Borders, Kona, Big Island; free; (808) 331-1668.

FOR WRITERS

"Delicious Murders: Mystery Writing 101," author Jerrilyn Farmer shares basic information on writing a mystery novel for ages 12 and older, 2 p.m. July 8, Kane'ohe Public Library; free; 233-5676. Also, 6:30 p.m. July 9, Mililani Public Library (627-7470); 12 p.m. July 10, Hawai'i State Library (586-3490); 6:30 p.m. July 10, Kapolei Public Library (693-7050); 2 p.m. July 11, Waikiki Public Library (733-8488); and 6:30 p.m. July 12, McCully-Mo'ili'ili Public Library (973-1099).

"Soulfood: Memoir Writing," one-day workshop led by Leslie Pumehana Campbell on creative expression and self-integration through writing your life story, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 13 or July 14, private home in Wai'alae Iki; $95 includes lunch; 415-337-4369, www.ripefruitwriting.com.

"Enlivening Characters," Louise Wisechild teaches how to create realistic characters in your writing, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 14, Old Japanese Schoolhouse, Volcano Village, Big Island; $55; 967-8222.

Windward Christian Writers Group, give and receive constructive criticism on works in progress, discuss writing from a Christian perspective and learn about publishing opportunities, 10 a.m.-noon July 14, Faith Baptist Church, Kailua; free; 372-0274.

READING GROUPS

Literature Readers Group, 7 p.m. July 10, Borders Ward Centre; free; 591-8995.

Borders Bestseller Reading Group, 7 p.m. July 11, Borders Waikele; free; 676-6699.

Contemporary Fiction Reading Group, 7:30 p.m. July 11, Barnes & Noble, Kahala; free; 737-3323.

Romance Readers Anonymous, 6:30 p.m. July 12, Borders Waikele; free; 676-6699.

Romantic Borders Reading Group, 7 p.m. July 12, Borders, Ward Centre; free; 591-8995.

FOR KEIKI

Pre-School Storytime, for ages 3-5; 10:30 a.m. July 10; Mililani Public Library; free; 627-7470.

Pre-School Storytime, children's book author Tammy Yee reads aloud for ages 3 and over, 10:30 a.m. July 10, Waipahu Public Library; free; 675-0358.

Keiki Storytime; 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. Saturdays; Borders, Waikele; free; 676-6699.

"It's Book Time with Ronald McDonald," interactive performance with music, magic and games, 12 p.m. July 11, Kapolei Public Library; sponsored by McDonald's Restaurants of Hawaii; free; 693-7050. Also, 2 p.m. July 11, Waipahu Public Library (675-0358); 10:30 a.m. July 13, Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library; 2 p.m. July 13, 'Ewa Beach Public & School Library; and 11 a.m. July 14, 'Aina Haina Public Library (377-2456).

Preschool Craft & Storytime; 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays; Barnes & Noble, Kahala; free; 737-3323.

Preschool Craft & Storytime; 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays; Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana; free; 949-7307.

Read Me a Story, books read by volunteer storytellers for 12 and younger and their parents; 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; Honolulu Academy of Arts; free for children, included with admission price of $7 for parents; 532-8700.

Guest Storyteller, readings by visiting librarian Janet Yap from Kapolei Public Library, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Kahuku Public & School Library; 293-8935.

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

Keiki Storytime, stories for ages 2-5 read by Wally Amos, 11-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays; Kailua Public Library; free; 266-9911.

Storytime in the Garden, stories, songs, nature crafts and visit to a tree led by Lorraine Stringfellow, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Foster Botanical Garden; free; reservation: 522-7064.

Children's Storytime, listen to stories and learn a simple craft, for ages 3 and over; 10:30 a.m. Thursdays; Kaimuki Public Library; free; 733-8422.

Harry Potter Movie Release Party, play chess on a giant board or participate in keiki activities for ages 3 and over in "Diagon Alley," 3-5 p.m. July 12, Kaimuki Public Library; free; 733-8422.

"Stories to Solve: Puzzles and Riddles," storyteller Vicky Dworkin invites children, 5 and over, to offer answers to dilemmas that face characters in stories, 5 p.m. July 12, 'Aiea Public Library; free; 483-7333. Also, 11 a.m. July 14, Hawai'i State Library; free; 986-3510.

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