Datebook for April 8, 2005

Friday, April 8, 2005 | 8:21 a.m.

Tolkien celebration

The Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway, will sponsor the following events this week as part of its J.R.R. Tolkien celebration and tribute. All events are free. 492-6593:

7 p.m. Monday -- "Tolkien Revealed," a lecture featuring Tolkien expert Dr. Brad Eden.

6 p.m. Tuesday -- Screening of "The Fellowship of the Ring."

6 p.m. Wednesday -- Screening of "The Two Towers."

6 p.m. Thursday -- Screening of "The Return of the King."

Book signing

Joseph Pistone, aka Donnie Brasco, an FBI agent who infiltrated a mob family, will sign copies of his book, "The Way of the Wiseguy," from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Plaza Hotel and Casino. Admission is free. 386-2110.

Dog parade

The District at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino will host the first "Bow-Wows and Bonnets Parade" beginning at noon Saturday. Registration is from 11 a.m. to noon and is free. 564-8595.

'Antz'

Las Vegas presents the movie "Antz" at dusk Saturday at Hartke Park, 1638 N. Bruce St. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring picnic baskets. 633-2418.

Health festival

The University of Southern Nevada, in conjunction with Sierra Health Services, Henderson and Galleria at Sunset, presents its free "Spring Fling" health festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Galleria at Sunset. 968-2055.

Carnival of Care

Las Vegas presents a "Carnival of Care" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Becker Community School, 9110 Hillpointe Road. Admission is an unwrapped toy or $5. Activities include games, a jump house and dunk tank, face painting and a raffle. 229-2482.

Bike rodeo

Las Vegas presents a "Spoketacular Bike Rodeo" from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Cadwallader Middle School at the intersection of Elkhorn and Buffalo drives. Admission is free, and activities include bike decorating, maintenance training and an obstacle course. Admission is free. 229-1607.

Craft class

The District at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino offers a craft class on "Floral Essence" from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday. Admission is free. 564-8595.

Children's festival

Clark County Parks and Community Services presents its annual Children's Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive. Admission is free, and activities include arts and crafts, face painting, carnival games, workshops and bounce houses. 455-7340.

'Power, Glory'

Las Vegas presents the documentary "The Power and the Glory," following the life of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, at 3 p.m. Saturday at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Admission is free. 229-4800.

'Reading Las Vegas'

The following events will be held this week to recognize "Reading Las Vegas," a month-long free reading program for adults ages 18 and older. All events are free:

"Turning Points in Las Vegas History," a panel discussion followed by a book signing -- 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive, 507-3711, and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road, 507-3458.

2 p.m. Saturday -- Lecture by authors Michele Jaffe and Robyn Carr, West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd. Admission is free. 507-3940.

1 p.m. Saturday -- Lecture by author Curtis Raye Kuhn, Las Vegas Library, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Admission is free. 507-3500.

2 p.m. Sunday -- Lecture by author Jean Scott, Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave. 507-3630.

Lecture by author Bob Dancer -- 2 p.m. Wednesday, Las Vegas Library, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North, 507-3500, and 7 p.m. Thursday, Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., 507-3630.

'Empire'

Las Vegas' Cultural Affairs Division presents "The Empire Strikes Back" at 4 p.m. Thursday at the East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave. Admission is free. 229-1515.

Book groups

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District offers the following book discussion groups at area libraries this week:

Great Books Reading & Discussion Group -- 7 p.m. Tuesday, Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. 507-3427.

Murder in the Library -- 7 p.m. Tuesday, and 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave. 507-3646.

Rainbow Book Club -- 7 p.m. Wednesday, Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive. 507-3711.

West Las Vegas Book Club Social Hour -- 7 p.m. Tuesday, West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd. 507-3982.