Going Out

Shopping cheap: There are thousands of nearly new - make that gently used - books on the block when Friends of the Kenton County Public Library throws its annual sale. There are also videos, cassette tapes and CDs, with everything priced 25 cents to $4. Proceeds go to the library. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday, Independence Branch Library, 6477 Taylor Mill Road. (859) 962-4060, Ext. 4095.

Party hearty: FunRaisers, a group of single professionals who raise money for Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, get the jump on St. Patrick's Day with a mix 'n' mingle cocktail party and dance. 6-10 p.m. today, Clarion Hotel & Suites, 5901 Pfeifer Road, Blue Ash, $10, $8 for members. 793-4500; www.cincifunraisers.org.

Homey news: The Fifth Third Bank Cincinnati Home & Garden Show continues showing off all the latest products and services, including a furnishings promenade, building and remodeling exhibits, flower and garden displays, landscaping tips and tons more. Today is also the opening of the Olay Market, an area loaded with home and garden accessories, gourmet food, art, fashion and jewelry. 5-9 p.m. today, continues through Sunday, Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center, 525 Elm St., downtown, $10, $3 children under 14. 352-3750.

Barrows series: The Barrows Conservation Lecture series delivers conservationist Mike Phillips, director of the Turner Endangered Species Fund, talking about "Wolves, Falcons and Trout," a program designed to restore populations of the Mexican wolf, aplomado falcon and cutthroat trout to their native ranges. 7:30 p.m. today, Schiff Family Conference Center, Xavier University campus, Evanston, $12, $10 zoo members, $8 students. 559.7767.

Model Search

Looking good: Hopefuls looking to breaking into the glitzy world of modeling need to check this out. A delegation from America's Top Model, the Tyra Banks series on UPN, is having an open casting call Saturday. Models must be 18-27 years old and a U.S. citizen, bring three photos and a completed application (download it at www.wbqc.com) . 11 a.m. Saturday, mezzanine level, Gallery Building, Newport on the Levee. (859) 291-0550.

Planning Ahead

24 hours out: The Greenwich opens a new series called "Divas of Legend," a showcase re-creating performances by such icons as Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Dorothy Dandridge, Sarah Vaughan, Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, Billie Holiday, Phyllis Hyman and others. 8 p.m. Friday (continues March 19 and 26), 2440 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills, $5. 221-1151.

48 hours out: Local saxophonist Brent Gallaher rolls out his new Vanessa's Song at a CD release party with the Phil DeGreg Trio playing back-up (they're not on the CD). The CD will be available for $15. 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Blue Wisp, 318 E. Eighth St., downtown, $6. 241-9497.

Also 48 hours out: Cincinnati Museum Center celebrates the dance, music, crafts and culture of Ireland, Scotland and Wales with its Celtic Lands Culture Fest. Silver Arm and Mad Anthony Wayne Pipe Band make music, Cincinnati Highland Dancers stiffen their arms and kick up their heels, and crafters man booths with authentic Celtic merchandise. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, free. 287-7000.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail: jknippenberg@enquirer.com; fax: 768-8330.