STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE A professor of history and black studies at the College of William & Mary, Melvin Patrick Ely, reads from and discusses his book “Israel on the Appomattox: A Southern Experiment in Black Freedom From the 1790s Through the Civil War” (Knopf). Tonight, 6:30 p.m., New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at 77th Street, 212-868-4444, $15 general, $10 students, seniors, and teachers, $8 members.

MIDWESTERN HA HA Comic artist Chris Ware discusses his work, which includes collections such as the “Acme Novelty Library,” with a cultural historian of Chicago, Timothy Samuelson. Tonight, 6:30 p.m., the Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 95th Street, 212-423-3337, $15 general, $12 students and seniors, $10 members.

CELEBRATING LETTERS The Fales Collection of New York University presents a reading to celebrate the 25th anniversary of “Conjunctions,” a literary journal of innovative fiction, drama, and essays published by Bard College. Contributing authors Siri Hustvedt, Paul Auster, Howard Norman, and Donald Revell are among featured readers. Tonight, 6:30 p.m., NYU, Fales Collection, Bobst Library, 70 Washington Square South at La Guardia Place, 3rd floor, 212-992-9018, free.

A MANHATTAN ‘WHODDUNIT?’ Jennifer Sturman reads from the third in her Rachel Benjamin mystery series, “The Key” (Harlequin), which finds the stylish investment banker and amateur sleuth fingered when her hard-driving Wall Street boss is murdered. A wine reception follows. Tonight, 7 p.m., Partners & Crime Bookstore, 44 Greenwich Ave. at Charles Street, 212-243-0440, free.

INSIDE THE WRITERS’ STUDIO A non-degree workshop dedicated to nurturing fiction writers and poets, the Writers Studio presents a reading to honor its 20th anniversary. Featured authors include Jennifer Egan, Robert Pinsky, Martha McPhee, and Edward Hirsch. A reception and book signing follows. Tonight, 7 p.m., Judson Church, 55 Washington Square South at Thompson Street, 212-255-7075, $5 donation suggested.