Readings/Book Signings

• GLORIA BROWNE-MARSHALL The author discusses her most recent work, "Race, Law and American Society: 1607 to Present," which chronicles the foundations of racial discrimination in the American law system and key court cases. Fri, April 25, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• HOUSTON A. BAKER JR. The professor and author discusses his new book, "Betrayal: How Black Intellectuals Have Abandoned the Ideals of the Civil Rights Era," in which he urges black intellectuals to do their work for the black majority and reconnect with local communities. Wed, April 30, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JENNIFER STORM The author reads from her memoir, "Blackout Girl: Growing Up and Dying Out in America," which traces her trials with alcohol, drugs and rape. Tue, April 29, 7pm, FREE , Barnes and Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-665-0716.
• JEROME ROTHENBERG The poet and author of more than 70 collections reads from selected works. Mon, April 28, 6:30pm, Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-9749.
• JHUMPA LAHIRI The Pulitzer Prize-winning author reads from her new collection of short stories, "Unaccustomed Earth," which focuses on the immigrant experience and the concept of identity. Thu, April 24, 8pm, $7-$14, Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• JOANNA HARRIS The author of the best-selling novel "Chocolat" signs copies of its recently released sequel, "The Girl with No Shadow," and discusses how research impacts her writing process. Robert Nelson Jacobs, the film version's screenwriter, will also be present. Fri, April 25, 12:15pm, FREE , Walter K. Gordon Theater, Rutgers University, 3rd & Cooper sts., Camden, NJ, 856-225-6627.
• KRISTINE GROW, MARIA RAHA AND JOYCE MEYERS The poets read from selected works. Grow is currently awaiting the publication of her second collection, "Petal Whispers: The Perennial Poems"; Raha is the author of "Cinderella's Big Score: Women of the Punk and Indie Underground"; and Meyers will share pieces from her chapbook, "Wild Mushrooms," published in 2007. Thu, April 24, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• LOUISE ERDRICH The novelist reads from her latest work, "The Plague of Doves," which is set in North Dakota and tackles cultural issues surrounding modern-day American Indians and Americans of mixed-heritage. Tue, April 29, 8pm, $7-$14, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• LUCILLE CLIFTON The poet, children's book author and memoirist reads a selection of her recent works. Thu, May 1, 8pm, $7-$14, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• MIKE CONNERY The author discusses his new book, "Youth to Power: How Today's Young Voters are Building Tomorrow's Progressive Majority," which looks at political youths who are combining technology and social spirit to rejuvenate progressive politics. Tue, April 29, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• RED INK: CELEBRATING THE RADICAL TRADITION IN LITERATURE For the last day of Richard Wright Week in Philly, his daughter Julia Wright lectures on his politically inspired works, along with other authors Tom Good, Theodore Harris, Ewuare X.Osayande, John Potash and Fred Stanton. Sun, April 27, 2pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• RICH WESTCOTT The author signs copies of his new book, "The Mogul," which chronicles the life and work of Eddie Gottlieb, NBA founder, professional player and coach of the Philadelphia Warriors. Wed, April 30, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• SARAH BAILEY The poet reads from her new chapbook, "No Peeking," which attempts to engage people in poetry who have little to no interest in the subject. Tue, April 29, 7pm, $2, Harvest Books, 9 E. State St., Media, 610-328-7638.
• STEVE LOPEZ The former Inquirer columnist reads from his new book, "The Soloist: A Lost Dream, An Unlikely Friendship and the Redemptive Power of Music," which tells the story of Nathaniel Ayers, a classical bassist at Julliard who ended up on the streets of Philadelphia as he dealt with schizophrenia. Sat, April 26, 2pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.