Things to do
The Mayflower gets all the attention, especially this time of year, but Sarah Vowell draws our attention to the Arbella, which sailed here in 1630. In her book, “The Wordy Shipmates,’’ the best-selling author and pop culture “Madonna of Americana’’ writes about “Happy Days,’’ “The Simpsons,’’ and other TV sitcom episodes set in 17th-century New England: “even though 17th-century New England is all situation and no comedy.’’ Vowell will read excerpts from and sign copies of her book. Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. Free. Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston. 617-536-5400. www.bpl.org 
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