Readings/Book Signings

• 19TH ANNUAL RUTGERS-CAMDEN SPRING WRITERS' CONFERENCE The conference includes a free day of workshops beginning at 9:15am and public readings held at 1:45 and 7pm. Guest writers include novelist Chris Abani, Mayra Montero, and Allison Wittenberg; poets Billy collins and James Hoch; screenwriter Brian Edgar; and journalist Ellis Lotozo. Registration required. Sat, March 31, 9:15am, FREE , Rutgers University, 5th & Cooper sts.., Camden, NJ, 856-225-2927, www.camden.rutgers.edu/RUCAM/writersconf.
• ALEXANDER NEHAMAS The Princeton University humanities professor discusses and signs his book, "Only a Promise of Happiness: The Place of Beauty in a World of Art." Tue, April 3, 7pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.
• ANDREW ZIMBALIST The sports economist presents his book, "The Bottom Line: Observations and Arguments on the Sports Business," examining the motives behind the buying of sports franchises, the worth of the players and the profitability of teams as well as the importance of publicly funded stadiums, Thu, March 29, 7pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.
• CHARLES RANGEL The New York congressman presents his memoir, "And I Haven't Had a Bad Day Since," about the author's journey to congress, Thu, April 5, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Branch, 19th & Vine sts., 215-567-4341.
• CRAIG EISENDRATH The former Harvard dean/co-author presents his book, "War in Heaven: Stopping the Arms Race in Outer Space Before It's Too Late," a look at the U.S. government's plan to put weapons in outer space, Thu, April 5, 7pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• DANA GIOLA The award-winning poet, critic and chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities reads his poem as part of the dedication celebration for the poetry house. School of Music faculty will premiere art songs inspired by his poetry as well, Thu, March 29, 7pm, FREE , Philips Autograph Library, West Chester University, West Chester, 610-738-0325.
• GAY TALESE The journalist and nonfiction novelist reads from his writings, Mon, April 2, 6pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.
• JANE GOLDEN The Mural Arts Program director reads and signs her book, "More Philadelphia Murals and the Stories They Tell," the follow-up and companion volume to "Philadelphia Murals and the Stories They Tell." Thu, March 29, 6-8pm, FREE , Mugshots Coffeehouse, 21st & Fairmount Ave., 215-685-0750.
• JEFF SYPECK The author discusses and signs his new book, "Becoming Charlemagne: Europe, Baghdad, and the Empires of A.D. 800." Sat, March 31, 1-2:30pm, FREE , Trappe Book Center, 130 W. Main St., Trappe, 610-454-0640.
• JOE BAGEANT The former bartender and onetime farmer reads from and talks about his soon-to-be published work, "Deer Hunting with Jesus: Dispatches from America's Class Wars." Introduction by Linh Dinh, Tue, April 3, 6am, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.
• JOE BOYD Having roadied for Dylan, managed Muddy Waters' London tour, and produced Pink Floyd's first single, the music scenemaker presents his memoir, "White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s." Thu, March 29, 7pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JOHANNA DRUCKER The University of Virginia professor of media studies and English gives a lecture on "The Book As A Writing Space." Wed, April 4, 3pm, FREE , Temple University, Gladfelter Hall, 12th & Berks sts., 215-204-1796; Drucker gives "Visual Readings" of her works, Thu, April 5, 8pm, FREE , Temple Center City, 1515 Market Street, 215-204-1796.
• JOHN COLETTI AND THOMAS DEVANEY The Penn-based writer and poet discusses his forthcoming book, "A Series of Small Boxes," along with writer and editor of "Open 24 Hours Press," who talks about his work, Wed, April 4, 6pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.
• KALI N. GROSS The author discusses her book, "Colored Amazons," a historical analysis of the crimes committed by and the prosecution and incarceration of black women in Philadelphia at the turn of the 20th century, Thu, March 29, 7pm, FREE , International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 215-895-6537.
• LAURA LIPPMAN The author reads and signs her new novel, "What the Dead Know," about the disappearance of two sisters, the younger of whom reappears years later in a hit-and-run car accident, Sat, March 31, 1pm, FREE , Chester County Book Co., 975 Paoli Pk., West Chester, 610-696-1661.
• LAURA NICOLE DIAMOND The editor of "Deliver Me, True Confessions of Motherhood" reads from the collection of personal essays, stories and poems written by a collaborative team of moms and discusses the challenge of writing and editing while bringing up two kids, Sun, April 1, 3-5pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• MARIE PONSOT The poet, mother of seven and author of "The Bird Catcher" gives a reading of her works, Thu, April 5, 7:30pm, FREE , Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-526-5210.
• MATTILDA, AKA MATT BERNSTEIN SYCAMORE Known for editing anthologies on nonconformity and gender defiance, the editor discusses his new anthology, "Nobody Passes: Rejecting the Rules of Gender and Conformity," with contributor Rocko Bulldagger, Mon, April 2, 5:30-7pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• POETRY INK: CELEBRATING POETRY WITH 100 POETS The 11th Annual Poetry Ink reading is calling all poets who would like to give a reading of his/her work. Sun, April 1, 1pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• ROXBOROUGH LYRIC POETRY ASSOCIATION An informal reading of members' poetry, short fiction and literary satire, Thu, April 5, 7-8:30pm, FREE , Spoons Coffeehouse, 8919 Ridge Ave., 215-482-0907.
• STEPHANIE BACHULA A reading and discussion of the writer's prize-winning play "Have Your Words and Eat Them, Too." Sun, April 1, 6:30pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.
• T COOPER AND FELICIA LUNA LEMUS The author of "Lipshitz Six, or Two Angry Blondes," about a family's search for a lost song, and the author of "Like Son," about a post-punk 30-year-old who was born a girl but is now a man, give a joint reading, Wed, April 4, 5:30-7pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• TOM CLAVIN AND BOB DRURY After the lecture, the authors read and sign their new book, "Halsey's Typhoon: The True Story of a Fighting Admiral, an Epic Storm, and an Untold Rescue," about one of the lesser known events that shaped the course of WWII. Lunch is served in the Officer's Wardrom. Sat, March 31, 1-3pm, $25, Battleship New Jersey, Camden Waterfront, NJ, 856-966-1652.
• WENDY LEIGH The author discusses the seemingly-glamorous but lonely and unhappy life of Grace Kelly in her book, "True Grace: The Life and Death of an American Princess." Thu, March 29, 7:30pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 720 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-520-1788.