For a writer who eats, dreams, and breathes Seattle, certified Stranger Genius Sherman Alexie doesn’t do readings in Seattle as often as we’d like. Seattleites generally only get to enjoy his performances—part standup comedy, part one-man confessional monologue, part stream-of-consciousness road trip—a couple times a year. So this Saturday afternoon poetry reading at the beautiful Ballard branch of the library is a rare chance for Seattle to come out and love the writer as much as he loves his city. You’ll want to brave the crowds for this. (Ballard Library, 5614 22nd Ave NW, 684-4089, 2 pm, free)