MISCELLANY

I thought I was going to have to think of some inanity to fill this column this week; but no, in fact there are some interesting things to do. No fooling.

Friday, three British poets, Patricia Beer, Adrian Henri and Pete Morgan, will give a reading in the Eliot House Library at 8 p.m., with free sherry and no admission charge. Saturday, Suzanne Hiatt will give a lecture at the Harvard Epworth Church on "Witchcraft and Misogyny,"--an odd topic to be speaking on in a church, perhaps, but de gustubus. 5:30 p.m.,!/ FOR SUPPER. Watch what you eat.

Independent booksellers of New England have organized an antiquarian bookfair that will go on Saturday and Sunday at Gutman Library, featuring goodies like children's books, Victorian literature, detective fiction, and miniature books. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to8:30 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A $1.50 donation for admission will go to the library itself.

Now we come to the real event of the weekend: Halloween. Woolworth's is full of candy corn, toffee apples and plastic masks, although sources say the Woolworth's in the Square is one of the most expensive ones. On the other hand, Woolworth's was always the place to go when you were little and couldn't think of a costume, so if you're stuck for something to wear you can get a superman/woman suit. Pumpkins are cheaper the farther away from the Square you get, so try Haymarket.

There are parties all over the University for Halloween, including several at the Houses, I know there is one this weekend at Dunster House, but I'm sure there are others if you look.

If you can't find one around here that attracts you, Boston offers an interesting pair of Halloween balls. One is a very haughty-sounding Bicentennial affair at the Victorian Exhibit, costume or fancy dress required. At the Castle on Arlington St. near Park Square on the 30th, with a $10 donation at the door. Donation to what, ask.

Anyway, the other dance is being sponsored by PUMA, the Prostitutes Union of Massachusetts. Called the "HOOKERS' Masquerade Ball," the organizers are extending a special invitation to people concerned with the rights of sexual minorities in the state. It will begin at 8 p.m. at The Club, 823 Main St., Cambridge. Tickets cost $5 and can be bought in advance at Cloth-ware in Cambridge, with the proceeds going to fight for decriminalization of the trade.

And let us not forget the Franklin Park Zoo, which is holding a pumpkin decorating contest on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free pumpkins available at the zoo, or bring your own. Prizes, including zoo T-shirts, membership in the Boston Zoological Society animal posters and "Bird's World" bumperstickers, will be awarded to the funniest, scariest and most-like-an-animal pumpkins. Zoo staff will be on hand with decorating ideas