Authors, Reptiles Slated to Visit County Libraries

The Orange County Public Library system’s special events program in January will include programs ranging from dramatic readings to a book signing and a live reptile exhibit.

The highlights include:

* Jan. 6 to Feb. 6: The Mission Viejo branch sponsors the 7th annual Whale Art contest, open to preschoolers through eighth-graders. Children can submit any art work--from painting and drawing to sculpting and quilting--depicting whales or dolphins. There is no cost to enter the contest.

Mission Viejo Library is located at 24851 Chrisanta Drive. Information: (714) 830-7121.

* Jan. 15: The Crown Valley branch sponsors a Readers’ Theater for Adults program presented by the South Orange County Community Theater. The program is a dramatic reading of a featured playwright or author. There is no admission fee, but a donation is suggested. The program begins at 7 p.m.

Crown Valley Library is located at 30341 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel. Information: (714) 249-5261.

* Jan. 17: The Mesa Verde branch sponsors a Readers’ Theater for Adults program presented by the South Orange County Community Theater. The program begins at 7 p.m.

Mesa Verde Library is located at 2969 Mesa Verde Drive East, Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 546-5275.

* Jan. 19: The Mission Viejo branch sponsors a Readers’ Theater for Adults program presented by the South Orange County Community Theater. The program begins at 7 p.m.

Mission Viejo Library is located at 24851 Chrisanta Drive. Information: (714) 830-7121.

* Jan. 23: The San Juan Capistrano regional branch sponsors a live, traveling reptile petting zoo and program for all ages. The zoo will be open from 3 to 4 p.m.

The San Juan Capistrano library is located at 31495 El Camino Real. Information: (714) 493-4984.

* Jan. 23: The Crown Valley branch sponsors a program about Mission and Indian life in early California presented by Jackie Nunez. The program, for children 7 and older, begins at 3:30 p.m.

Crown Valley Library is located at 30341 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel. Information: (714) 249-5261.

* Jan. 23--The Mesa Verde branch sponsors an origami workshop. Children ages 5 and up can learn the ancient Japanese paper folding art. The workshop runs from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Mesa Verde Library is located at 2969 Mesa Verde Drive East, Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 546-5275.

* Jan. 28: The Fountain Valley branch sponsors a 7 p.m. lecture and book signing with mystery story author Earlene Fowler. The event is part of the Friends of the Library birthday celebration.

Fountain Valley Library is located at 17635 Los Alamos St. Information: (714) 968-4794.