-- today --

l Talking About Books

The group will discuss "The Help," by Kathryn Stockett.

When: 11 a.m.

Where: Blacksburg Library, 200 Miller St., Blacksburg

Cost: Free

Contact: 382-6965

l Book Club for Teens

"Read What You Want" book club for teens.

When: 7 to 8 p.m.

Where: Hollins Library, Roanoke

Cost: Free

Contact: 561-8024

-- wednesday --

l Professor of Film to Speak

Klaus Phillips, professor of film and German, and director of M.A./M.F.A. in Screenwriting and Film Studies, is a specialist in German cinema and is published widely.

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Jackson Screening Room, Hollins University

Contact: www.hollins.edu/calendar

-- thursday --

l Author Reading: Melanie Almeder

Roanoke College Associate Professor of English Melanie Almeder will read from her works. Her first book of poems, "On Dream Street," won the Tupelo Press Editors' Prize and was among the final 25 books considered for the Walt Whitman Award. Her work has also appeared in a wide range of journals, including The Georgia Review, Poetry, Five Points, Seneca Review and American Literary Review.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Green Drawing Room, Main Building, Hollins University

Cost: Free

Contact: 362-6451

l Adult Book Club

Morning club will discuss "A Distant Mirror," by Barbara Tuchman. Evening club will discuss "The Book Thief," by Marcus Zusak.

When: 10 a.m.

Where: HQ/419 Library, Roanoke

Cost: Free

Contact: 772-7507

l Book Club

"The Last Lecture," by Randy Pausch.

When: 2:30 p.m.

Where: Vinton Library

Cost: Free

Contact: 857-5043

-- saturday --

l Food for Fines

Jeff Ell, first-time local author of "Ruth Uncensored -- The Story you Thought you Knew," will be signing copies of his book.

When: 2 to 5 p.m.

Where: Barnes & Noble, Tanglewood

Contact: 776-2960

-- sunday --

l Food for Fines

The Radford Public Library will waive fines in lieu of nonperishable food items donated to benefit Radford's food pantries. $1 fine for each box or can of food.

When: 2 p.m.; 12/12/2009

Where: Radford Library, Radford

Contact: 731-3621

-- dec. 8 --

l Comic Book Club

For readers, collectors and creators.

When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Raleigh Court Library, Roanoke

Contact: 853-2240