Book Discussions are held monthly at the Ventnor branch of the Atlantic County Library, 6500 Atlantic Ave. At 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15 the title to be discussed is “Amazing Grace” by Jonathan Kozol. Friday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. will be “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. Title for Friday, March 26 to be announced. Call (609) 823-4614.
     Book Discussion Group for Adults meets once a month at the Galloway Township branch of the Atlantic County Library, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road. Meetings are 7 p.m. Thursdays. Schedule: Jan. 21: "Dewey" by Vicki Myron; Feb. 18: "Against Medical Advice" by James Patterson; March 18: "Resilience" by Elizabeth Edwards. For information call the library at (609) 652-2352.
     Ready, Set, Read! for children 3-5 at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 23, Feb. 6 and 20, March 6 and 20 at the Ventnor branch of the Atlantic County Library, 6500 Atlantic Ave. Registration is required. The free programs feature stories, songs and fingerplays that teach prereading skills. Call (609) 823-4614.
     Library Reader’s Book Review Thursday, Jan. 28 at the Northfield Library join us.  Attend an afternoon gathering at 2 a.m., or an evening gathering at 6:30 p.m. to talk about a favorite book. Call the library at (609) 646-4476 to indicate your preference.  The library is located at 241 W. Mill Road in Northfield.
     The Writing Force Writing Group for Adults in all genres meets 7-8:45 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Mays Landing branch of the Atlantic County Library. For information email Margaret Peirson at marge10peirs@yahoo.com.
    The Writing Force Writing Group for Teens in all genres meets 7-8:45 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Mays Landing branch of the Atlantic County Library. For information email Margaret Peirson at marge10peirs@yahoo.com.
     Open Mike/Poetry Readings 8-10 p.m. Thursdays hosted by Dr. Groovenstein at Sherlock’s Books and Café in the Smithville Town Center on New York Road in Galloway Township. Signups start at 6 p.m. Free Wi-Fi. Call (609) 652-5505 or see www.sherlocksbooksandcafe.piczo.com.
     Adults-only Open Mike 7:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of each month at Ocean City Fine Arts League, 608 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. Call (609) 675-0133.
     Open Mike 7-10 p.m. Saturdays at Malelani Café, 5205 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor (across from Sage restaurant). Share original music, poetry or other artistic work. For information email Steve at stevetechvip@yahoo.com.