TODAY

Fall for the Book Festival -- Gathering of internationally and nationally known literary figures in events opens today at George Mason University, Fairfax, continues through Friday at GMU and nearly 30 locations in Northern Virginia, Washington and Maryland. (703) 993-3986 or www.fallforthebook.org.

TOMORROW

"Beach to Bluegrass: Places to Brake on Virginia's Longest Road (U.S. 58)" by Joe Tennis -- Discussion and book signing, noon-2 p.m. at Brunswick County Museum, Lawrenceville. (434) 848-2638.

WEDNESDAY

"The Headmaster Ritual" by Taylor Antrim -- Talk and book signing, noon at Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St. 692-3500.

THURSDAY

Mystery writer J.B. Stanley -- Talk at 7 p.m. at Twin Hickory Library, 5001 Twin Hickory Road, Glen Allen. Free. 364-1400.

SATURDAY

Drive-Thru Book Drive -- Friends of the Richmond Public Library fund-raiser. Drop off books, books on tape, videos, LPs and CDs 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Main Library's loading dock, First and East Main streets. 646-4514.

"The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family" by Annette Gordon-Reed -- Talk and book signing 2-3 p.m. at Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St. Free. 692-3500.

"The Write Lover" by Brooklen Borne -- Book launch party 2-5 p.m. at Black History Museum and Cultural Center, 00 Clay St. 780-9093.

National Book Festival -- More than 70 authors, illustrators and poets, including Tiki Barber, Salman Rushdie, Warren Brown, Kay Ryan, Philippa Gregory, Paul Theroux, Dionne Warwick and more, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on the National Mall, between Seventh and 14th streets, Washington. www.loc.gov/bookfest/ or (202) 707-1550.