Alliance events

PORTLAND – Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance will host its new “Writers Read” series on the third Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m., beginning Jan. 16.

Writers of all levels are encouraged to gather at the University of Southern Maine’s Glickman Family Library.

Each writer will be given a three-minute time slot. The event is free and open to the public.

The alliance will present a Valentine’s Day workshop with Steve Almond, “How to Write an Effective Sex Scene,” from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Glickman Library.

Almond, author of “My Life in Heavy Metal” and “Candyfreak” and whose stories appear in “Best American Erotica 2003, 2004 and 2005,” will teach the basics of writing effective sex scenes.

Cost is $55 for alliance members; $75, nonmembers. It is for adults only. For details, visit www.mainewriters.org.

Book in libraries

AUGUSTA – Central Maine Power Co. is putting an award-winning children’s book in hundreds of public libraries and Maine schools for the sixth year.

The company donated copies of Caldecott Medal winner, “Kitten’s First Full Moon” by Kevin Henkes, to more than 600 public, private and parochial schools and public libraries in its service territory.

“We’re happy to donate this wonderful book to the libraries and schools we serve,” said CMP President Sara J. Burns. “We hope Kitten’s First Full Moon’ and its entertaining story will spark a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.”

For more information about CMP, visit www.cmpco.com.

Volunteers needed

FALMOUTH – Maine Audubon needs volunteers on weekdays from Jan. 11 to March 31 to lead one-and-a-half-hour nature explorations at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center.

No previous knowledge or teaching experience is necessary.

Volunteers will learn teaching techniques, seasonal changes in plants and animals and general ecology. Most programs participants are school groups.

Participation in all the training sessions is encouraged but special arrangements can be made for those who cannot make them.

In-depth internships are available.

For more information or to arrange training, contact program manager Linda Woodard at 781-2330, ext. 213, or [email protected].

For more information on Maine Audubon, call 781-2330 or visit www.maineaudubon.org.