readings

HOTEL SWEET HOTEL Everyone, at one time or another, has had to stay in a Hotel that has had more than its fair share of “Character.” John Margolies, in a lecture entitled “Dreams and Nightmares: The American Hotel,” will attempt to present a broad overview of the history of the hotel over the last 150 years. The rich history of the hotel parallels the development of our country, as we move away from individuality toward a homogenized lifestyle everywhere we go. The lecture will be on July 21 at the Urban Center, located at 457 Madison Avenue. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 212-980-3767. For more information, call 212-753-1722.

ABC NO RIO, 156 Rivington St., 638-7039: Sun.–Weekly poetry/ spoken word readings, all are welcome, no time limit, 3 p.m., $3.

BLUESTOCKINGS BOOKSTORE, 172 Allen St., 777-6028: Women’s Poetry Jam w/ Open Mike, last Tue. of every month, 7-9 p.m., 8-min. limit, $2 suggested donation.

THE BOWERY POETRY CLUB, 308 Bowery, 334-6414: Mon.–Da Bowery Improv. Poets, 9 p.m., free admission; Wed.–“Supreme Poets,” poetry & spoken word, 8:30 p.m., $10; Sat.–“Poets4Life,” monthly performance of poetry on the second Saturday of every month, $12, call 696-6455 for more information.

CARING COMMUNITY, 20 Washington Sq. N., 877-7699: Tue.–Poetry writing workshop, sponsored by the Greenwich House Senior Center, 1:30-3:30 p.m., free.

CORNELIA ST. CAFÉ, 29 Cornelia St., 989-9318, www.poetz .com: Fri.–Pink Pony West Reading Series, feat. poet and open mike, 6 p.m., $6, includes free drink.

HOUSING WORKS USED BOOK CAFE, 126 Crosby St., 334-3324: call for information about current readings.