Readings/Book Signings

• BOB SMITH The comedian and author reads from his new novel "Selfish and Perverse," which begins with Nelson Kunker trapped in his job as the script supervisor on a late-night sketch television show that he compares to the Loch Ness monster: "Everyone's heard of us but sightings are rare." Wed, Sept. 26, 5:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• Dan Imhoff The author reads from his new book, "Food Fight: The Citizens Guide to a Food and Farm Bill," and discusses the bill itself and how it affects our everyday lives over breakfast. Thu, Sept. 27, 8-10am, $12-$15, White Dog Cafe, 3426 Sansom St., 215-386-9224.
• DAVE BARRY The Pulitzer prize-winning columnist reads from his new collection, "History of the Millennium," a witty trip through the highlights (and lowlights) of our young new era. For a quarter decade, Barry's syndicated column has appeared in more that 500 newspapers and he has authored several books of comedy writing. Thu, Sept. 20, noon, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• JEFFREY TOOBIN The CNN legal analyst reads from his new book, "The Nine," which is based on exclusive interviews with the justices themselves and other insiders. Thu, Sept. 27, 8pm, $7-$14, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• JONATHAN MCGORAN The author and Weavers Way Co-op communications director reads from his new book "Blood Poison," which was written under the pen name D.H. Dublin. The book is the seond installment of a Philadelphia-based forensic crime series. Tue, Sept. 25, 7pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• LORD WHIMSY Lord Breaulove Swells Whimsy reads from his new book,"The Affected Provincial's Companion Vol. I." Drag cabaret performer Jeffrey Marsh will sing and play ukulele. Mon, Sept. 24, 7pm, FREE , Molly's Bookstore, 1010 S. 9th St., 215-923-3367.
• MARK TOULOUSE The Texas Christian University reads from his new book, "God in Public: Four Ways American Christianity and Public Life Relate." Toulouse challenges his audience to confront existing stereotypes and re-examine their obligations and responsibilities as Christian citizens in the public arena. Thu, Sept. 20, 6:30pm, FREE , Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer St., Princeton, NJ, 609-497-7990.
• MARY BETH TEMPLE The author reads from her new book "The Secret Language of Knitters," a fun, young approach to a time-honored craft. Tue, Sept. 25, 7pm, FREE , Borders Book Shop, 515 Rt. 73 South, Marlton, NJ, 856-985-5080.
• Stephen Mihm The author and University of Georgia professor reads from his new book, "A Nation of Counterfeiters," which describes an era when our currency was in the hands of capitalists for whom "making money" was as much a literal as figurative undertaking. Mon, Sept. 24, 5:30-7pm, FREE , Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust St., 215-546-3181.
• POCKET MYTHS Local poets C.A. Conrad, Julia Bloch, Ryan Eckes, Emily Abendroth and Justin Audia present "The Odyssey," a film and book collaboration curated by Bernadine Mellis and Andrea Lawlor featuring work by mostly queer, trans and women artists. The project retells Homer's ancient epic of the aftermath of war. Mon, Sept. 24, 6pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.
• RAY DIDINGER The sportswriter reads from his new book, "One Last Read," which chronicles his 25 years of work in sports journalism. Wed, Sept. 26, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• RICHARD WILBUR The two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former poet laureate reads from his large collection of work. Thu, Sept. 27, 7:30pm, FREE , Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-526-5210.
• ROBERT KANIGEL The author reads from his latest book, "Faux Real: Genuine Leather and 200 Years of Inspired Fakes," which examines how synthetics have challenged the leather industry, Thu, Sept. 20, 7-9pm, FREE , Hagley Museum & Library, 298 Buck Rd., Wilmington, DE, 302-658-2400.
• SAL PAOLANTONIO AND RUBEN FRANK The fearless sportscaster and his partner read from their tell-it-like-it-is book, "The Most Overrated and Underrated Players, Teams, Coaches, and Moments in NFL History." Thu, Sept. 27, 7pm, FREE , Borders Book Shop, 515 Rt. 73 South, Marlton, NJ, 856-985-5080.
• THOMAS DEVANEY The poet and Penn Senior Writing Fellow reads from his new collection of poetry, "A Series of Small Boxes." Wed, Sept. 26, 6pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.