Free events on Sept. 7 and 9 presented by the University of Iowa International Writing Program (IWP) will span the globe of literature.

The first 2012 IWP panel will discuss “Spectral Gender.” UI history professor emerita Linda Kerber will introduce IWP residents Gulala Nouri (Iraq), Pandora (Burma), Stephanie Ye (Singapore), Alina Dadaeva (Uzbekistan), and Mohib Zegham (Afghanistan) at noon, Friday, Sept. 7, in Meeting Room A of the Iowa City Public Library. Pizza and beverages will be served.

Later that afternoon Dimitris Lyacos (Greece/Italy) and Jeffrey Paparoa Holman (New Zealand) will read from their works at 5 p.m. in the Shambaugh House, 430 N. Clinton St. This event will also feature refreshments. UPDATE Sept. 7 - This event has been postponed, new date to be set.

And at 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 9, in Prairie Lights Books, IWP residents Khaled Alberry (Egypt) and Jana Benova (Slovakia) will be joined by a graduate student from the UI writing programs in a free reading.

Bio sketches of the IWP writers are accessible on the program's website.

For accommodations at the events, contact the IWP at 319-335-0128.

For calendar information and details about UI arts, visit the new Arts Iowa website.