Photo by Tom (hmm a rosa tint).

Get ready for an overload of launches—spring has finally sprung in the book world. Things certainly start off right as tomorrow Coach House Books hosts their spring launch at Stones Place. As far as book parties go, Coach House has a real knack for showing revelers a real good time. The evening will feature performances by writers from their current catalogue, including Maggie Helwig, Claudia Dey, Jordan Scott, and RM Vaughan. Things kick off at 7:30 p.m, and you're more than likely to spot Torontoist enjoying one too many cocktails while shamelessly rubbing elbows with the indie literati.

On Monday Steve Penfold, author of The Donut: A Canadian History, will be giving a lecture titled "The Donut and the Making of Convenience" at Montgomery’s Inn Museum. This $12 event starts at 7:00 p.m. and irresistibly offers free donuts. If you missed them the first time, here's your second chance.

Don't forget that there's lots of poetry events happening around town in honour of National Poetry Month. Torontoist's pick this week? Talented local Alison Pick reads from her latest collection of poetry, The Dream World, at Harbourfront next Wednesday evening. She'll be joined by Randall Maggs, Don Domanski, and host Jay MillAr. Tickets are $8.00 and things get underway at 7:30 p.m.

Finally, The Griffin Poetry Prize shortlist was announced this morning. The $100,000 award is one of the most lucrative poetry prizes in the world and is awarded annually for the two best books of poetry (one Canadian and one international). This year's Canadian nominees are Nicole Brossard, Robin Blaser, and David McFadden. The finalists will be invited to read at the MacMillan Theatre on June 3, and winners will be announced on June 4. You can find the complete shortlist and ticket information here.

Full listings after the fold.

Toronto Literary Listings: April 8–16

Tuesday, April 8

This Is Not a Reading Series presents Rachel Sontag in conversation with Damian Rogers. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.

The Art Bar Poetry Series presents Johanna Skibsrud, Jerome Paul and Dave Margoshes. Clinton's (693 Bloor Street West). 8:00 p.m. Free (donations appreciated).

McClelland & Stewart Poetry Launch. Mitzi's Sister (1554 Queen Street West). 8:00 p.m. RSVP to rsvp@mcclelland.com.

Wednesday, April 9

The Coach House Spring Launch. Stones Place (1255 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.

Thursday, April 10

Gail Scott and Rachel Levitsky read at the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.

Friday, April 11

The Toronto Women's Bookstore presents Queer Within These Walls. Readings by Debra Anderson, Farzana Doctor and Pat Capponi. Toronto Women's Bookstore (73 Harbord Street). 7:00 p.m. Free.

IV Lounge Reading Series presents Stan Dragland, Heather Wood, and Jaclyn Piudik. IV Lounge (326 Dundas Street West). 7:00 p.m. Free.

Saturday, April 12

NFB Mediatheque Celebrates National Poetry Month. National Film Board of Canada Mediatheque (150 John Street). 10:30 a.m. Free.

Sunday, April 13

This Is Not a Reading Series presents Don Truckey and the launch of his book, The Adventures of Caraway Kim…Right Wing. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.

Monday, April 14

The Donut and the Making of Convenience: A lecture with Steve Penfold. Montgomery’s Inn Museum (4709 Dundas Street West). Toronto. 7:00 p.m. $12.00. Free donuts.

This Is Not a Reading Series presents David MacFarlane, editor of Toronto: A City Becoming. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.

Tuesday, April 15

Draft Reading Series presents Johanna Skibsrud and Karen Houle. Soma Restaurant & Lounge (703 Queen Street East). 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16

This Is Not a Reading Series presents A Week Of This: A Novel in Seven Days by Nathan Whitlock. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.

International Readings at Harbourfront presents readings by Randall Maggs, Don Domanski, and Alison Pick. Hosted by Jay MillAr. Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West). 7:30 p.m. $8.00.