Spotlighted Literary Events

Apr. 17th, 3:00 pm: Come participate in another edition of the Mini-Sledgehammer Writing Contest presented by Indigo Editing & Publications. After a reading by Alan Dubinsky—the winner of last year’s contest—the audience will receive prompts and will have 36 minutes to write their own short stories. All entries will be judged on the spot and winners will take home prizes. The Mini-Sledgehammer Contest is free and open to the public—the event is hosted at Floyd's Coffee Shop in Old Town (118 NW Couch Street, Portland).

Apr. 20th, 6:00 pm: The New Oregon Interview Series is turning its eye toward the literature and arts in Portland. Join host Nora Robertson as she leads a discussion with artist/curator Nan Curtis, filmmaker/architecture critic Brian Libby, and writer Floyd Skloot. How is the Portland art scene in dialogue with other regions? How does our art allow us access to the outside world? The event is free and also includes an open wine and beer bar. Follow the discussion at White Stag Block (70 NW Couch Street, Portland).

Apr. 21st, 8:00 pm: Join the release party for Jeff Parker's latest graphic novel Underground. Parker, a local writer and comic book artist, twists the man versus nature story, moving the action to the caves of Kentucky. Parker has worked with DC, Dark Horse, Image, and Marvel. Celebrate this arrival of another great graphic novel at Things from Another World (4133 NE Sandy Boulevard, Portland).

Picture Credit: Cover of Underground #3 by Steve Lieber and Jeff Parker

Portland Literary Events

Date: Friday, October 10–Monday, October 13
Buy books, CDs, DVDs, audiotapes, videotapes, maps, and sheet music at the Friends of the Multnomah County Library used book sale. Children’s books and pocket-sized paperbacks start at $.50. Hardcover and larger paperbacks start at $1.50.
Where: 8150 N Lombard Street, Portland, OR 97203
When: Friday (member only presale, 6:00–9:00 p.m.); Saturday (9:00 a.m.–6:00p.m.); Sunday (11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.); Monday (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.)
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.friends-library.org

Date: Saturday, October 11
Nobel Peace Prize candidate Dr. Jeff Halper will speak on the Middle East.
Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock Street, Portland, OR 97212
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: (503) 287-1289

Date: Sunday, October 12
View original picture book art from the Caldecott Honor winner Bryan Collier. A self-guided tour of his original picture book art, including books to read and explore, will be available to groups throughout the exhibit. All groups who take the tour will receive complimentary Bryan Collier buttons! To reserve a tour, call (503) 988-5340. Defining Moments: An Exhibition of the Works of Bryan Collier lasts until November 6.
Where: Collins Gallery, 3rd Floor, Central Library, 801 SW 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
When: Noon – 5:00 p.m. (other days and times available on the library’s website)
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.multcolib.org

Date: Monday, October 13
David Macaulay will read from The Way We Work.
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton, OR 97005
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.powells.com

Date: Tuesday, October 14
Sarah Vowell will read from The Wordy Shipmates.
Where: Bagdad Theater, 3702 SE Hawthorne, Portland, OR 97214
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 (includes a copy of the book)
For more info: (503) 225-5555

Date: Tuesday, October 14
Floyd Skloot will read from The Wink of the Zenith: The Shaping of the Writer’s Life.
Where: Broadway Books, 1714 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: (503) 284-1726

Date: Wednesday, October 15
Betty Fussell will read from Raising Steaks: The Life and Times of American Beef.
Where: Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 1005 W Burnside, Portland, OR 97209
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.powells.com

Date: Thursday, October 16
Media attorney Derek Green will discuss online news, the First Amendment, and how the Internet has changed journalism.
Where: Twenty-Third Avenue Books, 1015 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97210
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.23rdavebooks.com

Date: Thursday, October 16
Don Colburn, Annie Lighthart, and Scot Siegal will read from Windfall: A Journal of Poetry of Place.
Where: Looking Glass Bookstore, 7983 SE 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://lookingglassbook.qwestoffice.net