Readings/Book Signings

• BOB INGLE AND SANDY MCCLURE Ingle, the Trenton bureau chief for Gannett Newspapers, and political reporter Sandy McClure sign and discuss their new book, "The Soprano State: New Jersey's Culture of Corruption." Thu, Feb. 21, 7pm, FREE , Borders, 515 Route 73 South, Marlton, NJ, 856-985-5080.
• CHIP KIDD The best-selling author and rock star of the graphic design world reads from his new book, "The Learners," a darkly witty story about a college grad in the 1960s who lands a design job with an eccentric ad agency. Thu, Feb. 14, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• EAVAN BOLAND The Irish poet reads from her works, many of which explore the difficult and often ignored domestic lives of women in Irish society. Thu, Feb. 21, 7:30pm, FREE , Connally Center, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Ave, 215-519-4646.
• ELIZABETH K. GORDON The author reads from her new book, "Walk With Us," a drama about a pregnent black teen who moves in with a white lesbian couple in North Philly. Sat, Feb. 16, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JACK GETZE The New Jersey author reads from his debut novel, "Big Numbers," a mystery in which a smart-mouth stockbroker suddenly finds himself at the top of someone's hit list. Wed, Feb. 20, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JAMI ATTENBERG The author reads from her debut novel, "The Kept Man," the story of a lonely wife who, after spending years caring for her dying husband, decides to live her own life again. Thu, Feb. 21, 7pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• JIM WALLIS The author reads from his latest book, "The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith and Politics in a Post-Religous Right America," in which he offers faith-based solutions to problems like poverty, global warming, rascism and healthcare. Thu, Feb. 14, noon, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• JON BLACKWELL The author discusses and signs his new book, "Notorious New Jersey: 100 True Tales of Murders and Mobsters, Scandals and Scoundrels," an entertaining guide to some of the shadiest characters in New Jersey history. Thu, Feb. 21, 7pm, FREE , Borders, 4010 Dearborn Circle, Mt. Laurel, NJ, 856-866-9090.
• LAMONT B. STEPTOE AND ALEX SMITH Steptoe, a Pittsburgh native and activist in gay and bisexual issues, reads from his latest book of poetry,"Oracular Rumblings and Stiltwalking." Smith, a queer black artist and activist, reads from his edgy debut collection, "Gang Stalk Oprah." Thu, Feb. 21, 5:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• MAJOR JACKSON The North Philadelphia native and poet will reads from his first book, "Leaving Saturn" and his second book, "Hoops." Thu, Feb. 14, 7pm, FREE , Ursinus College, 601 Main St., Collegeville, 610-409-3000.
• MARIE DALLAM The author and Temple professor reads from her new book, "Daddy Grace: A Celebrity Preacher and His House of Prayer," in which she examines the life and death of charismatic church leader Charles Manuel Sweet Daddy Grace, founder of the controversial United House of Prayer for All People. Tue, Feb. 19, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5415.
• PATRICK MURPHY The U.S. Representative discusses his new memoir, "Taking the Hill: From Philly to Baghdad to the United States Congress." Mon, Feb. 18, 6:30pm, $6-$15, National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, 525 Arch St., 215-409-6700.
• RICHARD T. FORD AND MICHAEL J. KLARMAN. Ford, a professor of law at Stanford, reads from his latest book, "The Race Card: How Bluffing About Bias Makes Race Relations Worse," which argues that false accusations of prejudice blurs the focus on valid claims of racism. Klarman, a civil rights law historian, reads from his latest work, "Unfinished Business: Racial Equality in American History," which traces the long, rocky road of racial equality in America. Thu, Feb. 21, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• RONALD CUTLER The author will sign copies of his latest novel, "The Secret Scroll," a thriller about an archaeology professor who discovers an ancient scroll that may have been written by Jesus Christ, a discovery others are willing to kill for. Sun, Feb. 17, 1-3pm, FREE , Borders, 515 Route 73 South, Marlton, NJ, 856-985-5080.
• SUSAN WINDLE The author reads from her book, "Love Letters," a collection of 44 poems, which celebrate our relationships to others and the earth. Thu, Feb. 14, 7-9pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.