Iowa Writers’ Workshop graduates Robert Fernandez and Mary Hickman will read from their poetry at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in a free reading at Prairie Lights Books in downtown Iowa City. The reading also will be streamed live on the University of Iowa Writing University website.

John Freeman will be in conversation with Marilynne Robinson to talk about his new book, "How to Read a Novelist," at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, in a free reading at Prairie Lights Books in downtown Iowa City. The discussion also will be streamed live on the University of Iowa Writing University website.

Political philosopher Larry May will give a series of lectures on the University of Iowa campus Oct. 16-18 as an Ida Cornelia Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor.

The UI will host the American Conference for Irish Studies Thursday Oct. 10 through Saturday Oct. 12 at the Iowa Memorial Union. The conference draws upon Irish literature and its scholars to explore themes such as psychology and mental health, women, masculinity, and child labor.

North Liberty is home to one of 10 radio telescopes in the Very Long Baseline Array, or VLBA, spread across 5,351 miles from Hawaii to the Virgin Islands, which, when used together, are 100 times more powerful than any other dedicated instrument, says UI astrophysicist Robert Mutel.

The Nonfiction Writing Program at the University of Iowa has been ranked the number one nonfiction writing program in the country for the fifth year in a row by the magazine Poets and Writers.

NASA's Juno spacecraft will pass within 350 miles of Earth's surface Oct. 9 before it slingshots off into space on a historic exploration of Jupiter. Bill Kurth has been involved with the mission since the beginning and is one of the lead investigators on the Waves instrument aboard the craft.

The University of Iowa School of Music will present a concert by the jazz quartet Koplant No at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, in the University Capitol Centre Recital Hall on the UI campus. The performance is free, and the public is welcome.

The University of Iowa School of Music will present a free concert by the UI Symphony Band and the UI Concert Band at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Second Floor Ballroom of the Iowa Memorial Union.

Christopher Merrill, director of the University of Iowa International Writing Program, will read from his most recent books of poetry, "Boat" and "Necessities," at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, in a free reading at Prairie Lights Books in downtown Iowa City. The reading also will be streamed live on the University of Iowa Writing University website.

The Iowa City Book Festival will celebrate its fifth year in the City of Literature with an ambitious and varied slate of programming that includes more than 70 events from Oct. 10-13. Several events have University of Iowa ties, including a discussion with Writers' Workshop affiliates in the Englert Theatre.

The University of Iowa National Speech-Language and Hearing Association will host a benefit auction Friday Oct. 18, at the University Athletic Club.The evening includes a buffet style dinner and live music. Proceeds will go toward student scholarships and client services.