Paula Poundstone is a big fan of libraries. She's also a big supporter. That's one reason why she will be in Carson City, Nev., next week.

Poundstone is the national spokeswoman for the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, which supports libraries as social and intellectual centers. Poundstone works to raise awareness and funds through her stand-up shows, such as the one set next Friday at the Bob Boldrick Theater in Carson City.

"It's funny that we think of libraries as quiet, demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun- balancing, bespectacled women," Poundstone said. "The truth is that libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy and community.

"Libraries can never be shushed. Of course, I'm not saying there are people in there shouting, but the atmosphere is certainly not as buttoned-down as it used to be. After all, I go to libraries, and I can't shut up to save my life."

Poundstone is quick to point out that though many people think "libraries may be going obsolete," she does not think that.

"They will have to change, but awareness is rising of their worth," she said. "People say (libraries) get all their money from taxes, but that has not been true. They get much of it from fund-raising, from friends-of-the-library associations."

You can even find a book by Poundstone – "There's Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say" – in libraries. Or her first comedy CD, "I HEART JOKES: Paula Tells Them in Maine," recorded at the Stone Mountain Arts Center.

Poundstone, known for the quick wit she shows on NPR's "Wait, Wait … Don't Tell Me!" approaches her live concerts "with prepared material, but I consider a night very successful if I don't do a lot of it," she said. "I encourage people to talk, and little biographies emerge, which I use. I'd say about a third of my act is of things I've never said before."

Poundstone will appear at 7:30 p.m. The Bob Boldrick Theater is at 851 E. William St., Carson City ($35, $45; ticketderby.com).

She is also set to play San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts on Dec. 15 (8 p.m.; $35; Ticketmaster.com).

Out and about

• Classic country songs such as "Ghost Riders in the Sky" and "Hurry Sundown" have had many lives, but few recordings of these songs have bested the Outlaws' versions. The guitar-driven country rock-band plays tonight at Thunder Valley (8:30 p.m.; $29.50; thundervalleyresort.com).

• Reno is hosting its inaugural restaurant-week event, Reno Bites, Monday through Oct. 28. Fifteen participating eateries will feature signature items or three-course prix-fixe menus (RenoBitesWeek.com).

• Loretta Lynn was set to perform last year at John Ascuaga's Nugget but had to cancel, so hopes are high for her arrival Saturday, which will mark her first appearance in the area in 12 years.

It's been 52 years since Lynn first arrived in Nashville, "singin' it like the women lived it," as she has said.

There are not many singers of her stature or era still performing, and opportunities to hear her are rare. No matter the huge popularity of contemporary country artists, few sing with her bold honesty (8 p.m.; $79; janugget.com).

CASINO GUIDE

Boomtown, Reno – Events Center: Little River Band, Nov. 17; Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats, Dec. 29; (800) 648-3790.

Carson Valley Inn – Cabaret Lounge: Felix and the Soul Cats, through Saturday; Paul Covarelli, Tuesday-Wednesday; Jo Mama, Thursday-Oct. 27. (775) 782-9711.

Eldorado, Reno – Showroom: "Jersey Nights," through Nov. 13; "Aladdin and His Lamp," Nov. 20-Jan. 13. (800) 648-5966.

Harrah's Reno – Sammy's Showroom: The Magic of Eli Kerr, today-Saturday, next Friday-Oct. 27. (800) 427-7247.

Harrah's Lake Tahoe – South Shore Room: Air Supply, Saturday; Leon Russell, Oct. 27; the Dan Band, Nov. 10; Average White Band, Nov. 17; Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Shootout, Nov. 23-24; Christmas with Aaron Neville, Dec. 15. (800) 427-7247.

Horizon, Lake Tahoe – Illusion Fusion starring Alex Ramon, Thursdays-Tuesdays. (775) 588-6211.

MontBleu Resort, Lake Tahoe – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Nov. 17; Daniel Tosh, Dec. 15. (888) 829-7630.

Silver Legacy, Reno – Grande Exposition Hall: Wanda Sykes, Nov. 3; BB King, Nov. 9; Dennis Miller, Nov. 17; Rodney Carrington, Nov. 24; Ethan Bortnick, Nov. 30; Randy Travis, Dec. 1; Daniel Tosh, Dec. 14. Reno Events Center: Eric Church with Justin Moore and Kip Moore, Nov. 11. (800) 687-8733.

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