Baltimore County Public Library Pikesville Branch, 1301 Reisterstown Road, (410) 887-1234, bcpl.info. Astrophysicist and writer Mario Livio discusses his book “Why?: What Makes Us Curious.” Jan. 31, 2:30 p.m.
Bird In Hand, 11 E. 33rd St., (410) 814-0373, birdinhandcharlesvillage.com. Alison Roman, author of “Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes” is joined by cooks Lauren Sandler of Canningshed, Jinji Fraser of Pure Chocolate by Jinji, and Sarah Conezio of Keepwell Vinegar. Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.
Church of the Redeemer, 5603 N. Charles St., prattlibrary.org. Author and political commentator Chris Matthews discusses his new book, “Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit.” Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.
The Ivy Bookshop, 6080 Falls Road, (410) 377-2966, theivybookshop.com. Nathaniel Rich, author of “King Zeno,” discusses his latest historical crime novel. Jan. 25, 7 p.m. Poets Shirley J. Brewer, Rachel Eisler, Clarinda Harriss, Kathleen Hellen discuss “Nasty Women Poets: An Anthology Of Subversive Verse,” edited by Grace Bauer and Julie Kane. Jan. 28, 5 p.m.
Red Emma’s, 30 W. North Ave., (443) 602-7585, redemmas.org. Virginia Eubanks, author of “Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor.” Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m.