saturday/18

“The Golem and the Jinni.” Local author Helen Wecker discusses her novel about two creatures from Jewish and Arab folklore living in 1899 Manhattan. At Borderlands Books, 866 Valencia St., S.F. 3 p.m. Free. www.borderlands-books.com/about_events.html

sunday/19

“Germans and Jews and 1963.” Multimedia presentation on the historical background of the book “Lara’s Shadow” by local author Alan Fleishman. At Belmont Library, 1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont. 3 p.m. Free. www.booksinc.net/event/belmont-library-presents-alanfleishman

“Prayers for the Living.” CANCELLED!  Author Alan Cheuse discusses his novel about the decline and downfall of the troubled Bloch family. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 1:30 p.m. Free. www.jewishcommunitylibrary.org. This program has been cancelled.