Buffalo Area Poetry & Literature Calendar (week of Oct. 22-Oct. 28)

Wednesday, 7 p.m.: The University at Buffalo Exhibit X Fiction Series presents a reading by American novelist and editor Jenny Offill. Offill is the author of the novels "Last Things" (Bloomsbury, 2000), a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times First Fiction Award); "Dept. of Speculation" (Knopf Doubleday, 2014) which was shortlisted for the Folio Prize, the Pen-Faulkner Award, and the International Dublin Literary Award; and "Weather" (Knopf, 2020), a New York Times Bestseller. She lives in upstate New York and is Writer-in-Residence at Bard College. The Cinema at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, 341 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. Free and open to the public.

Thursday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Buffalo Legacy Publications presents a launch event for three new chapbooks by the late Buffalo poet David Tirrell. Tirrell, who died in 2012, was a vital part of the UB poetry scene beginning in his undergraduate days during the Charles Olson period in the mid 60’s, when he was a writer of gorgeous lyrical sonnets. During the 70’s, he transitioned to more avant-garde work, though largely retaining his lyricism and his classic meter and diction. He did his Masters thesis under Leslie Fiedler and Jack Clarke, published work in Further Studies Magazine, Inc. & Ink, Intent, The Buffalo News, and House Organ, and self-published three chapbooks, “The Dublin Sonnets,” “The Lion and the Rose,” and “Pieces of Eight.” His full-length collection “The Half House Poems” was published by Michael Boughn’s Shuffleoff books in 1990. El Buen Amigo & LACA Non-Profit,114 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo.

Friday,  6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: 4th Friday Poetry Series featuring Buffalo-based poet Connie Joyce. Additional reading slots available. Dog Ears Bookstore & Café, 688 Abbott Rd., Buffalo. $5.