Words & ideas

Iris Berry, Pleasant Gehman and S.A. Griffin Gehman ("Escape From Houdini Mountain") and Griffin ("The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry") will be on hand to celebrate the publication of the new anthology, "Sirens: Five Femme Fatale Poets," of which Berry is a contributor. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Black Clock Reading The Los Angeles-based literary magazine launches its ninth issue with readings by contributors Seth Greenland, Anthony Miller, Los Angeles Times book editor David L. Ulin and Black Clock editor Steve Erickson. www.blackclock.org. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 3 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

The Darker Mask Panel on Writing for Cross-Genre Sisters in Crime/LA presents a panel discussion featuring contributors to the new anthology "The Darker Mask: Heroes From the Shadows": Gary Phillips, Naomi Hirahara, Gar Anthoney Haywood and Michael Mallory. Jack Maeby will also read from his book "The Thorazine Mirrorball." www.sistersincrimela.com. South Pasadena Public Library, 1115 El Centro St., South Pasadena. 2 p.m. $5 suggested donation. (818) 400-8748.

Lily Koppel The author of "The Red Leather Diary" will read and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 4 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Linda & Loretta Sanchez The congresswomen, two sisters who made history when they became the first related women to serve in Congress together, will present and sign their new memoir, "Dream in Color." Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 4 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Jason Nelson The author of "Age of the Soul: A New Way of Living From Your Soul" will present and sign his new book. Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. 3 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733.

MONDAY

Shirley Halperin The author of "Pot Culture" will present and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Tom Hayden The social and political activist will present and sign his new collection of essays, spanning 50 years of activity, "Writings for a Democratic Society." Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

TUESDAY