The Friends of the Pine Island Library are sponsoring programs by four of our local authors this month. The first program will be “Fishing in Pine Island Sound with Capt. Dick May.” He will speak on local fishing tactics and will also introduce his new cookbook “Captain Dick’s Florida Gulf Coast Seafood and Much More.” This program will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

The next up is Mary Kaye Stevens who will discuss her newest book “Images of America: Lee County Islands.” Her previous book about Pine Island was fascinating and created a lot of interest. Her new book promises to be just as interesting and should generate more engaging tales by this talented storyteller. Mary Kaye will be at the library at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16.

Then at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20 award-winning author Robert Macomber will discuss his journeys and his research for his upcoming novel “The Darkest Shade of Honor.” After traveling the globe, Peter Wake is coming closer to home waters. You will be sure to hear intriguing tales and historic connections between Florida and Cuba. Bob lectures and tells tales around the world. This is his home library and we are proud to have him with us.

Rounding out our authors is Marsha Perlman. She will read from her recently published book “Spirit Life.” Marsha’s poetry reflects her relationship with the nature and wildlife of the Gulf Coast. Her stories bring each poem to life and help listeners realize we all have a personal interest in the nature around us. Marsha will be at the library at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23.

The whole month is packed with activity at the library. The Pine Island Genealogy Group meets at 1 p.m. Jan. 13. Census testing is being held on Jan. 14 and 20. If you would like to work for the Census, call 1-866-861-2010 for a test session appointment. Everyone is invited to the Friends of the Pine Island Library meeting at 3 p.m. on Jan. 21. Every Friday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. we host “Chess Anyone?” Our patron Trent Morell donated another chess set to the library. This one is a “Pirates of the Caribbean” set. Come in and give it a try! And Lillian Bradley’s book discussion this month is at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28. The book is Chris Cleave’s “Little Bee.” There is still time to get a copy and join in the fun.

Miss Tonya’s family storytimes will begin on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 a.m. They include stories, songs, and crafts. Parents and grandparents love this as much as the children. For the teens we’ll be having a “Guitar Hero” gig at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 6. It will be a rockin’ day at the library. Bobbi and Karen’s Valentine program is at 11 a.m. and folk music performers Suzanne and Jim will present “Animal Fair” at 2 p.m. These two family programs will be a lot of fun. And one week later on Feb. 13 the Friends’ Book sale will be at the library from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New books and DVDs are arriving weekly. Our Internet computers stay busy and lots of patrons are taking advantage of the wireless Internet. The library is located in Pine Island Center at 10700 Russell Road NW. Our phone number is 533-4350. Stop by and see us when you can.