Monday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today

Before The Diving: little is known about ancient Penguin civilisation, but the recent discovery of early Penguin eggshell drawings provides a fascinating though slightly disconcerting insight into their previously unknown empire. Haika Maeda, a Chinese/Japanese artist living in Scotland for the past six years, re-imagines the fragmented drawings found so far, bringing this untold story to life. 10am-5pm, today until 11th November 2014 (closed Sunday), Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.

Tricolour: monthly night showcasing three different poetry and spoken word talents. Three different voices, three different styles, three different takes on life. This month: Philip Hutton, Freddie Alexander and Steve Harvey. 6.30pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Book online or call 0131 623 3734.

Envie d’ecouter et parler Francais? Come along to this new French conversation group, led by native French speaker Laetitia. French cheeses and refreshments to keep the discussion going! 6.30pm, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan.

Fitness for Women: new term, new tutor (Nicole), new you! Free classes start today, 10am-11am then same time each week, St David’s Broomhouse Church, Broomhouse Cresent. For more information and to book your place call 0131 467 7678 or email kirsty@healthstrategygroup.org.uk.

Janice Cairns: Forgiving Nancy. Debut novelist Janice Cairns talks about her novel, a dramatic and moving love story set in Edinburgh in the 1980s. 6.30-7.30pm, Portobello Library, 14 Rosefield Avenue. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.

Reedeeng! With Sam Barclay: Hear Sam’s own story of his experience of living with dyslexia and the creation of his award-winning book  I wonder what it’s like to be dyslexic? A Dyslexia Awareness Week event, especially suitable for anyone studying art and design at secondary school level or above and those with a personal interest in or connection with dyslexia. 2-4pm Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.

Fountainbridge Craft and Chat: a new group starting this week. If you enjoy knitting, sewing, crochet, quilting, embroidery, papercraft or any other crafting and fancy some company while you work, come along to the library; bring your own project, get tips and hints from the group – tea and cake provided! 6-7.30pm, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street.

Phil Taylor: Staying Power: A Year in My Life. Meet professional darts superstar Phil ‘the Power’ Taylor, who will sign copies of his new book. 12.30pm, Waterstones West End, Princes Street. For more information call 0131 226 2666.

Jogo de Corpo: Body Games. ‘A sensual tapestry of combat games from both sides of the Atlantic.’ Former street child Mestre Cobra Mansas tells how through capoeira he grew into Brazil’s black movement and discovered his identity as an Afro-Brazilian; a true story of combat games, dance and music that connect Brazil and Africa from the time of slavery to today. For ages 16+. 6-7.30pm, Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets £5: book online or call Summerhall on 0131 560 1581. Part of Africa in Motion: Scotland African Film Festival 2014. See The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about the Film Festival here.

Coffee Morning for Kinship Carers: come along to this free coffee morning and meet other kinship carers. Playroom available to keep little ones occupied; all kinship carers welcome! 10am-12 noon today and every first Monday of the month, The Haven Project, Craigroyston Primary School, Muirhouse Place West.

LGBT Police Surgery: seek advice, raise concerns about safety issues, report incidents or discuss policing in your area with an officer from Police Scotland. Within weekly drop-in session (for ages 16+); no appointment necessary. 6.30-7.30pm (drop-in 5.30-8pm ) LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre, 9 Howe Street.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents The Monthly Book Quiz: teams of up to five can take part, but arrive early as space is limited. 6-7.15pm, Caffe Nero, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free: no tickets required. For more information contact Ann Landmann on 0131 622 8216 or email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.

Engage: the military and young people: screening of this new short film (made by teenagers with the youth journalists’ charity Headliners) and the launch of a new report on the controversy surrounding the Armed Forces’ visits to schools in Scotland. With representatives from Forces Watch, EIS and Scottish Youth Parliament. More information about the film can be found here. 7.30-9pm, Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place. Free, but please book a place.

The Scottish Gallery: new exhibitions. McCrory Family (silversmiths), Tania Clarke Hall (jewellery), Archie Forest Ensemble (paintings inspired by travels in France, Portugal and Italy), Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde Golden Years. 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturdays, The Scottish Gallery, 16 Dundas Street. Exhibitions close 26th November 2014.

World War One Cinema: Private Peaceful (2012). A film of the horrors of war and the injustice surrounding the execution of soldiers by firing squad on the often false grounds of desertion or cowardice. Cert: 12. 6.30-8.45pm, St Bride’s Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace, Dalry. Free – part of Gorgie War Memorial Hall’s World War One Commemoration.

Charity Coffee Morning: in aid of SCIAF Water for Life Project. Begins after 10am Mass, St John the Evangelist, 35 Brighton Place, Portobello.