Patti Smith at Hammer Museum, Book Soup, Skylight Books

Patti Smith’s latest book, “Just Kids,” documents the bond she had with artist Robert Mapplethorpe. She’ll read from the memoir at Skylight Books and Book Soup. At the Hammer, she’ll present a night of film and live music in celebration of the publication of “Harry Smith: The Avant-Garde in the American Vernacular.” Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd. (310) 443-7000. 7 tonight. Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd. (310) 659-3110. 7 p.m. Fri. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave. (323) 660-1175. 5 p.m. Sat.