Nov. 2: PORTLAND, Maine playwright John Cariani will speak on “Brand-New Play, Oldest Story in the Book: How Does Maine Playwright John Cariani Help Us Rediscover Love,” at 12:15 p.m. at the Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square. 774-1043

Nov. 3: AUGUSTA, Julia Hunter, registrar at curator of textiles at the Maine State Museum will speak on “Almost First Lady: Harriet Stanwood Blains,” at 7 p.m. at the Maine State Museum, State House Complex. 287-2301

Nov. 3: PORTLAND, author Phillip Hoose will speak at noon at Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square. Free 871-1710

Nov. 4: BANGOR, florist/designer Bert Johnson will speak on “Holiday Door Decorations,” at 6:30 p.m. at Bangor Public Library Lecture Hall, 145 Harlow St. 947-8336

Nov. 4: PORTLAND, Professor Nancy Schultz of the English Department at Salem State College, will speak on “Catholicism in 19th-Century America: Texts and Images,” at 7 p.m. at USM Moot Court Room, Law School. 780-4920

Nov. 8: LEWISTON, Maine artist Rob Shetterly will speak about how art, soul and truth-telling have intersected in his own life and work at 4:30 p.m. at Bates College Chase Hall. Free 786-8272

Nov. 9: LEWISTON, Nancy Lecompte, director of research and education for Ne-Do-Ba, will speak on “Mollyockett and the Challenge of Researching Maine Indians,” at noon at L-A College, 51 Westminster St. $5/$7 753-6510

Nov. 10: PORTLAND, children’s and young adult author Karen Hesse will speak at noon at Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square. Free 871-1710