BOOKS: EVENTS

HAY FESTIVAL: continues to 31 May. Today's highlights include Michael Dibdin (12pm, pounds 4.50) and Hanif Kureishi (4pm, pounds 5), both in the Pavilion; and Stephen Hawking (2.10pm, pounds 10) and Toni Morrison (6.15pm, pounds 10), both in the Marquee. Box office: 01497 821299

2 Vampire maven Ingrid Pitt discusses cinema vampires and her new book The Bedside Companion for Vampire Lovers at Waterstone's, 13-14 Princes St, Wed 27, 7pm, free. 0131 5563034.

CANTERBURY: Jonathan Coe reads from The House of Sleep and Helen Dunmore reads from her novel Your Blue-Eyed Boy at Waterstone's. 20-21 St Margaret St, Thur 28, 7pm, pounds 2. 01227 456343.

MANCHESTER: Patrick McCabe reads from his latest novel Breakfast on Pluto at Waterstone's, 91 Deansgate, Wed 27, 7pm, pounds 3. 0161 8321992.

2 T Coraghessan Boyle reads from his new novel Riven Rock also at Waterstone's, Thur 28, 7pm, pounds 3. 0161 8321992.

TONI MORRISON reads her latest novel Paradise in:

2 Glasgow, at the Bute Hall, Glasgow University, University Avenue, Mon 25, 7.30pm, pounds 4. 0141 3329105

2 London, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Tue 26, 7.30pm, pounds 7/pounds 4. 0171 9604242.

LONDON: The 'Playing in the Dark' series concentrates on the spoken word with no visual accompaniment. Co-writer of Slam!, Saul Williams (above), reads from his book of poetry Seventh Octave (to be published later this year) at the Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, Sun 24, 6.15pm, pounds 6/pounds 4. 0171 223 2223.

2 Giles Foden reads from his first novel The Last King of Scotland and Liz Jensen reads from her second, Ark Baby, at the Voice Box, Royal Festival Hall, Thur 28, 7.30pm, pounds 4/pounds 2.50. 0171 9604242.