Need some intellectual stimulation? Three South Coast authors will be talking about their books in the coming days and weeks.

‘Birth of Plenty’

Bernstein to speak at Coos Bay library

•  Thursday: Much of the unwritten history of the world is the history of poverty. Financial security is a dream for some and a possibility for others. Dr. William J. Bernstein will discuss prosperity, investing and the history of trade at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Myrtlewood Room in the Coos Bay Public Library, 525 W. Anderson Ave.

He is the author of the “Birth of Plenty, The Four Pillars of Investing,” and, coming in 2008, “A History of Trade.” He lives in North Bend

 This free program is sponsored by Friends of the Coos Bay Public Library. For more information, those interested can call 269-1101.

‘Star Wars Expanded Universe’

Zahn to speak at Southwestern

•  Friday: Award-winning science fiction author Timothy Zahn will be speaking at 7 p.m. on Friday at Eden Hall on the Southwestern Oregon Community College campus in Coos Bay.

Zahn is best known for his Star Wars Expanded Universe series, which follows Luke Skywalker and other popular characters from the films on subsequent adventures. He also wrote three other trilogies of novels and many short stories. His 1984 novella “Cascade Point” won a Hugo Award. Zahn is unique among science fiction writers because of his background in physics, which lends credibility to the worlds he creates.

By the time his doctoral work at the University of Illinois was interrupted by the death of his advisor, Zahn already had taken up fiction writing and a prolific career ensued. His appearance at Southwestern is sponsored by the campus Arts and Lectures Committee.

For more information, those interested can contact Rob Clingan at 888-1578 or Dave Fedukowski at 888-7276.

‘Solstice Wood’

Lunde, McKillip to talk at South Slough

•  Saturday: South Slough volunteers and authors David Lunde and Patricia McKillip will speak at an Author Afternoon at 2 p.m. on Saturday at South Slough’s Interpretive Center auditorium. Each will read selections of poetry and fiction.

Patricia McKillip is an award winning author. She won the 2007 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for her recent novel, “Solstice Wood,” and also received the award in 1995 for “Something Rich and Strange” and in 2003 for “Ombria in Shadow.” McKillip assists with bookstore and children’s group activities at the estuary.

David Lunde, together with Mary M. Y. Fung, won the PEN USA Translation Award for their translation of The Carving of Insects by Bian Zhilin. He is a member of the Friends of South Slough Board of Directors and manages the  Friends of South Slough Bookstore and More.

All programs are held at the Interpretive Center unless otherwise noted. The Interpretive Center is located four miles south of Charleston on Seven Devils Road.  The estuary is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, those interested can call  888-5558.