FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Library hosts free programs in April

National Poetry Month, National Library Week, more celebrated

Libraries host free events in April 2009.

Library closing

The Newport News Public Library System will be closed Sunday, April 12, in observance of Easter.

National Library Week, National Library Workers Day

April 12-18 is National Library Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide. Also, the libraries will be celebrating National Library Workers Day on Tuesday, April 14. Library patrons are encouraged to nominate stellar Newport News library workers as Library Stars at http://ala-apa.org/about/nlwdstarsform.html. Nominated Newport News library workers are eligible to win prizes. 

National Poetry Month “Poet-tree”

Main Street Library invites children ages 6-11 to post their original poems on the “Poet-tree.” The tree will be located in the Children's area, and the poems will be displayed throughout April.

Virginia Employment Commission Website Orientation Sessions

In the Business Center, the Main Street Library staff will offer orientation sessions to help patrons register to use the Virginia Employment Commission site, VAworkconnect.com, 10 a.m. to noon, Mondays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27; and 2 to 4 p.m., Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23,  and 30. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Hop into Spring Baskets

Floral designer Michelle Belsches will demonstrate quick and easy spring baskets with a  twist, 3:30-5 p.m., Saturday, April 4, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration is required.

 Mail Madness

Professional organizer Mary Frances Ballard will present techniques to develop a flow system to keep incoming papers from overflowing the house and getting misplaced. The program is 2-3 p.m., Saturday, April 4, at Pearl Bailey Library and 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, at West Avenue Library. Handouts and door prizes will be provided. Registration is required and begins March 14 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 or West Avenue Library at 757-247-8505.

 Paws to Read

The Paws to Read program helps children ages 6 to 10 build their confidence by reading out loud to dogs at Grissom Library on the first Saturday of each month. The next Paws to Read program will be 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, at Grissom Library. Parents are required to fill out a permission slip and may accompany their children, as well. Registration is required, and begins March 21 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

“Up For Discussion …,” Book Club

Readers have a new way to discuss their favorite books. The book club, “Up For Discussion …,” will meet monthly at Main Street Library for a discussion, facilitated by a librarian, of popular book titles. The first book to be discussed is the best-selling novel “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski, and the discussion is 7-8 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, at Main Street Library. No registration is required.

 How to Use Your Library

Senior Librarian Patricia Manzella will show participants how to more effectively use library resources, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, and 2:30-4:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 25, at Grissom Library. Participants will learn information literacy skills, including how to use the library's catalog and electronic databases. Examples of the library classification system and sample searches will be shown, and participants may tour the library. Registration is required, and begins March 14 for the April 8 workshop and April 1 for the April 25 workshops. Register online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

 Introduction to the Business Decision database

Main Street Library staff will teach participants how to use the Business Decision database, located in the Business Information Center at Main Street Library. The small-business-oriented database allows users to create maps based on various statistical data, such as extensive consumer household data, market segmentation data, population forecasts and demographic data. The class is offered 10-11 a.m., Thursday, April 9. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

 Designing Your Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy

Courtney Gardner, president of CE Gardner Consulting LLC which provides management and fundraising consulting to nonprofit institutions and organizations, will help participants begin the fundraising process, 1-4 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at Main Street Library. The workshop will help participants assess long-range fundraising strategies and develop ways to create a sustainable fundraising effort.  Topics covered will include what needs to be in place before raising money and designing a development plan. Registration is required and begins March 16 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

 Family Storytelling with Dylan Pritchett

Master Storyteller, Author and Recording Artist Dylan Pritchett presents African-American stories, 2-3 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at Pearl Bailey Library. His stories with moral value will be performed through music and audience participation to celebrate National Library Week. No registration required.

 Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online

Main Street Library staff will teach participants how to use the Foundation Directory Online database, which allows grant-seekers to search for grants and research potential donors. This class will be offered 3-4 p.m., on Tuesday, April 21, in the Business Information Center at Main Street Library. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

  Tell Us Your Tall Tales

Bobby Norfolk, a three-time Emmy award winning storyteller, will delight children, ages 4-12, with tall tales, 11-11:45 a.m., and then adults, 2-4 p.m. Audience members will then have five minutes each to present their own tall tales for a chance to win prizes. The event is Saturday, April 25, at Main Street Library. Registration is required and begins March 25 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Poetry “Wordshop” and Slam

Teens 12-17 can celebrate National Poetry Month by participating in “wordshop” exercises designed to encourage creativity, originality and to give them a voice for their feelings and opinions about life through poetry. Teens can then read aloud their creations. The event is 6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 30, at Main Street Library. Refreshments provided. Registration is required and begins April 1 at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

 Loosely Knit Group

Everyone is welcome to join the Loosely Knit Group, which meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. every first and third Thursday of each month at Grissom Library. Anyone who enjoys knitting, crocheting, or any craft is welcome, and no registration is required.

Computer classes

Registration begins April 1 for May classes online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling the respective library. Classes are offered on an ongoing basis covering various topics, including computer and Internet basics, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, resume writing and more. Search for classes and register at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling the respective library.

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