Final Word on Poetry Series Will Take Place at Simi Library : Program that began in 1980 concludes run. Sherman Pearl and Michael Stephans are the featured writers.

The Simi Valley Poetry Series, organized and nourished since 1980 by Marilyn Hochheiser, will end its long run in a Grand Finale. The event will be held at the Simi Valley Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, on Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Sherman Pearl and Michael Stephans are the featured poets. Joining them will be poets who can sign up for open readings 10 minutes before the event begins.

“We began the series at a time when there was nowhere for poets to share their work and now there are many places that welcome poetry readings,” said Hochheiser, who is a published poet, writing teacher and an editor at Verve Magazine.

She encourages everyone attending the last hurrah to bring a book in good condition or donate cash for the purchase of books as a way of thanking the Simi Valley library, which has for many years hosted the poetry series. Call 527-5534 for further information.

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The image of a couple of duffers playing checkers in the local general store conjures up an era of simple pleasures and small town community. Some bookstores, with their cafes and non-book merchandise are becoming the modern general store where people can gather to hear lectures, meet authors and enjoy public game playing. Tonight at 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble will host its first backgammon tournament open to everyone at 4360 E. Main St., Ventura.

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The Library Foundation Store in the Thousand Oaks Library at 1401 E. Janss Road, fully restored since the January earthquake, offers a unique collection of jewelry, folk art, educational toys, posters and books. One of the titles featured is “Profiles of Women, Past & Present” which was researched, written and edited by members of the Thousand Oaks branch of the American Assn. of University Women. The book was published through a grant from the School of the Pacific Islands, a local foundation.

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The prolific William F. Nolan, author of 60 books, will sign his latest “The Black Mask Murders” at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

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Timing is everything. Dominic Coppola of Santa Paula was awarded a free membership for becoming the 300th writer to join the Ventura County Writers’ Club. The most active organization for writers in the Ventura/Santa Barbara area, VCWC sponsors monthly meetings and seminars, a series of genre workshops where members share works-in-progress, and a pithy newsletter full of publishing information. For membership details contact Barbara Fischer, VCWC, P.O. Box 460, Ventura, 93002.