Coupeville Library welcomes the Whidbey Island Writers Association and its 2008 SPIRIT OF WRITING contest winner Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at 788 NW Alexander. Enjoy this special program of readings by local writers, who will share the best of their poetry, nonfiction, fiction and more. Refreshments will follow. Funded by the Whidbey Island Writers Assoc. and Friends of the Whidbey Island Libraries. Call 678-4911.

The Saratoga Chamber Orchestra will play its “THE BIRDS, THE BEES, AND BEETHOVEN CONCERT” Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Coupeville’s Performing Arts Center, and Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at South Whidbey High School. Tickets are $15 to $20 and available for the Coupeville concert at Bayleaf. Tickets for the Jan. 20 concert available at Moonraker Books in Langley. Credit card sales for both concerts accepted online at www.brownpapertickets.com and will also be available at the door. Call 360-221-2353, or email orchestra@whidbey.com.

Learn about those whales you enjoy watching so much at the WAYS OF THE WHALES WORKSHOP Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Coupeville Rec Hall, 901 NW Alexander St. Join the Orca Network for a day of learning about the wonders of Pacific Northwest whales, who they are, what they eat, threats to their habitat and health, and more. More information at www.orcanetwork.org.

The 6th Annual WHIDBEY ISLAND CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT will be held at Greenbank Farm Jan. 24 beginning promptly at 9 a.m. This one-day, nine-game tournament with an afternoon finals bracket for the top eight finishers is the main event. The entry fee is $30, which can be paid by check. Send payment to: Cribbage Tourney, P.O. Box 1000, Freeland, WA, 98249. Please include your email address. Contact Bruce Howard at bhoward@whidbey.com, or 877-734-4377 for additional information.

Whidbey Island Theater for Youth offers its Production Workshop for ANNE OF GREEN GABLES beginning Jan. 26 at 350 SE Pioneer Way. Calling all young actors, ages 6 to 16, who would like to travel back to Prince Edward’s Island and participate in the adventures of a lucky little orphan in Avonlea, with performance on March 13 to 15. This full production workshop will include set building, painting, make up, costuming, as well as acting. Cost is $100 and is open to only 15 participants. For more information call 675-1084, or visit www.wit4y.com.