WHO’S IN TOWN
Novelist Shilpa Agarwal: The author reads from “Haunting Bombay,” her literary ghost story set in 1960s India. [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]
DINING OUT
Midi: Chef Michelle Mah serves adaptations of brasserie classics. Dinner entrees include pan-fried skate wing with haricot vert, fried capers and brown-butter lemon sauce; and grilled hanger steak with Roquefort butter, watercress, pickled red onions and French breakfast radish. Lunch recommendation: “Midi Quartet” (blackberry slaw; daily soup; prosciutto cotto on brioche and citrus pound cake). [185 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 835-6400]
LECTURES
H. Thomas Wells Jr.: The American Bar Association president talks about preserving judicial independence in times of economic crisis and controversy. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Diana Leafe Christian: The EcoVillage Newsletter publisher talks about ecovillage projects worldwide, and the ecological, economic and cultural aspects of sustainability. [5:15 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
LITERARY
Carol Snow and Brian Teare: The poets read from “Placed: Karesansui Poems” and “Sight Map,” respectively. [7 p.m., BookShop West Portal, 80 West Portal Ave., S.F.]
Lance Reynald: The novelist reads from “Pop Salvation.” [7:30 p.m., Books Inc., 2275 Market St., S.F.]
COLLEGES
Outdoor science talk: Robert D. Siegel, associate professor of microbiology and immunology, talks about the world of viruses. [7 p.m., on the lawn outside Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, Stanford]
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Photography for kids: RayKo presents a hands-on workshop designed to teach kids 5 and older the craft of photography. [2 p.m., Presidio Branch, 3150 Sacramento St., S.F.; RSVP: (415) 355-2801]
‘Films to Draw By’: Film series presents Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Conversation” (1974). [Noon, Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
CITY
Literary benefit: Evening, a fundraiser for Litquake, features a reading by author Holly Payne (“Kingdom of Simplicity”) and a performance by Blame Sally. [8 to 10:30 p.m., Golden Gate Room, Building A, Fort Mason Center, S.F.]
Japanese theater: The Asian Art Museum presents “Art of Laughter,” a presentation of kyogen theater with Izumi Junko and Miyake Tokuro, the first female performers in this field. [Noon to 4 p.m., 200 Larkin St., S.F.]
Beethoven salute: The San Francisco Symphony, joined by pianist Jeremy Denk, presents “My Classic Beethoven,” a concert featuring three works by the composer. [8 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
