There really isn't too much going on this week in the literary world, unless you've pre-registered for the big Potter conference at Sheraton Centre this weekend (will the mania never end? I hope not). So, this week I'll be outlining some of the ongoing events and exhibits that you can attend at your leisure (until the end of the summer, for the most part).

Tuesday, July 31st:

Stage Struck: 100 years of the Royal Alex. Toronto Public Library celebrates the 100th birthday of King Street's theatrical grand dame, the Royal Alexandra Theatre. The exhibition highlights a century of entertainment at Toronto's oldest theatre, brought to life through photographs, posters, souvenir books, original designs and scripts from the Performing Arts Centre. Curated by Lee Ramsay.
Toronto Reference Library, TD Gallery. July 21 to September 30, 2007. Free.

Wednesday, August 1st:

Selections from the Toronto Zine Library, presented by She Said Boom! This exhibition showcases highlights from the Toronto Zine Library's collection. Included are zines from the 80s to the present, ranging from literary and art-based zines to political/feminist/queer zines to punk rock fanzines. These selections- though only a mere glimpse into the past and present of "underground publishing"- illustrate the rich history of subversive thought, graphic art and free expression associated with the zine medium.
She Said Boom! Window Space on College Street. 24/7. August 1 to August 31, 2007. Free.

Friday, August 3rd:

The Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy is a non-circulating research collection of over 63,000 items of science fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction, as well as magic realism, experimental writing and some materials in 'fringe' areas such as parapsychology, UFOs, Atlantean legends etc.
Toronto Public Library, Lillian H. Smith Branch, 3rd Floor. Free.

Saturday, August 4th:

Pirate Adventures and Mermaid Tales: Stories of the High Seas. From Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid to Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and R.L. Stevenson's Treasure Island, stories of the sea have long fascinated the child-reader. Visit a display of literary and artistic treasures relating to the world's oceans. Part of the Osborne Collection.
Toronto Public Library, Lillian H. Smith Branch, 3rd Floor. June 9 to September 7. Free.

Sunday, August 5th:

HAUNTED FISHTANK: Poetry, Spoken Word, Live Music, Performance Art & Comedy. Bands welcome for acoustic/low electric sets {no drum kits} bongos/congas, etc. welcome. Bands booking to play Sundays e.mail Josh Haggarty.
Gladstone Hotel, Melody Bar. 9pm. No cover.

Monday, August 6th:

Indiepolitik presents STRONG WORDS: a monthly reading series presenting a range of writers, poets, spoken word artists, rappers, playwrights, activists, etc. This month features Leanne Milech, Kate Sutherland and Krystle Mullin.
Gladstone Hotel, Art Bar. 8pm. PWYC.