The following author appearances, readings and book events are planned for the coming week in the Valley:
ODYSSEY BOOKSHOP: Kory Stamper, an editor and lexicographer of Merriam-Webster in Springfield, reads from her book “Word By Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries” Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the bookstore, in the Village Commons, 9 College St., South Hadley. 534-7307
THE YIDDISH BOOK CENTER: Barry Holtz, of the Jewish Theological Seminary, talks about his new biography, “Rabbi Akiva: Sage of the Talmud,” Sunday at 2 p.m. at the book center, 1021 West St., Amherst. 256-4900
WORLD WAR II CLUB: Northampton Poetry holds an open mic Tuesday, 8 p.m. at the club, 50 Conz St., Northampton. $4 admission, $3 students. northamptonpoetry.com