FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free programs in April

Contests, celebrations for National Library Week, more in April at Newport News Libraries

Newport News Public Libraries have lots of special programs, contests planned for National Library Week and throughout April.

Author Lezlie Evans will be at Grissom Library on April 30.

Library Closing
The Newport News Public Library System will be closed Sunday, April 24, for Easter.

Online Genealogy Research for Beginners
Patrons of all ages can learn about the basics of genealogy research including how to start, types of information sources and where to find them, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, April 2, at Main Street Library. The discussion will include overviews of the USGenWeb Project, World GenWeb Project, FamilySearch.org and Cyndislist. No registration required. Call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 for more information.
Paws to Read
Children ages 6 to 10 build their confidence by reading out loud to trained therapy dogs, 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, at Grissom Library in Newport News. Parents are required to fill out a permission slip and may accompany their children, as well. Dogs are accompanied by certified trainers. Paws to Read is normally held on the first Saturday of each month, excluding holidays. No registration is required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

Games On! Board, Card and Video Games Galore For Youth
All board game and video game players ages 6-18 can play the new card games Monopoly, Slam and Pictureka with other players, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, April 5, at Pearl Bailey Library. Don't miss this chance to meet other players the first Tuesday of each month. New members are always welcome. No registration required.

National Library Week
Newport News Mayor McKinley Price has proclaimed that April 10-16 is Library Week in Newport News. Everyone is invited to Create Your Own Story@Your Library and help the Newport News Public Library System celebrate the contributions of libraries, bookmobiles, librarians and library workers in communities nationwide with the following special programs:
• Create Your Own Story Writing Contest
Children, teens and adults are invited to enter their original stories and poems for a chance to win prizes in the Create Your Own Story Writing Contest. Entries must be 250 words or less and must be submitted during National Library Week, April 10-16, to the children’s desk or circulation desk of any Newport News Public Library. Entries also may be emailed to nnlibpr@nngov.com during the same time period. Please see the full contest rules online at http://www.nngov.com/pressroom/press-releases/writingcontest or call 757-926-1350 or any Newport News Public Library for more information.
• National Bookmobile Day
Children and families are invited to join the Newport News Public Library System’s Bookmobile for special events and giveaways during National Library Week. For more information, visit http://www.nngov.com/library/resources/bkmschedule or call 757-591-4858. The Bookmobile is wheelchair accessible.
• Bookmobile Bookmark Design Contest
Anyone aged 17 or younger can create a bookmark illustration to demonstrate the importance of the Bookmobile for National Bookmobile Day. The winning design will be printed on the Library System’s bookmarks for distribution throughout the Libraries and the community. Designs should be created on the bookmark entry form available from the Bookmobile, children’s desk of any Newport News Public Library, or the Library System’s website. Entry forms should be turned in by April 30 to any of the Newport News Public Libraries or the Bookmobile.
• National Library Workers Day
The Newport News Public Library System will celebrate National Library Workers Day on Tuesday, April 12. Library patrons are encouraged to nominate stellar Newport News Library workers as Library Stars anytime up until April 12 at http://ala-apa.org/nlwd/?page_id=209. Nominated Newport News Library workers are eligible to win prizes.
• Library Card Signup Celebration
Children ages birth to 12 who sign up for a Library card during National Library Week, April 10-16, will get the royal treatment at Main Street Library. New members will receive not only their own free Library card, but also prizes, special recognition and a mini-celebration! Parent or legal guardian must be present. Call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 for more information.
• Boss of Cakes: Ultimate Library Paper Birthday Cake Contest
In celebration of National Library Week, youth ages 8-18 can compete in a “cake” contest, 5-7:30 p.m., Monday, April 11, at Pearl Bailey Library. Contestants in teams of two (limited to a total of eight teams) will have one hour and 15 minutes to design and make a giant birthday “cake” using assorted boxes and other craft materials. Prizes will be awarded to one team for the Most Original and Most Likely-to-be-Eaten cake. Registration is required and begins March 21 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.
• Bedtime Storytime and Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Children ages 4 – 7 are invited to bring their stuffed animals or action figures for a Bedtime Storytime and Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Monday, April 11, at Main Street Library. The storytime will be 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and children can wear pajamas. Then, the children can leave their stuffed animals and action figures at the library for a toy sleepover with lots of activities and pictures to record the fun. The stuffed animals, along with a photo keepsake of their adventures, may be picked up starting at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, April 12. Registration is required, and begins March 28 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.
• Create Your Own Story Movie for Teens: “The Blind Side”
Teen ages 12-18 can enjoy a free showing of the movie “The Blind Side,” 6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 14, at Grissom Library. Starring Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron, “The Blind Side” presents the true story of a struggling teen from Memphis who, with determination and talent, finds his way out of an almost hopeless situation. It is rated PG-13 and based on the book by Michael Lewis and the true story of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher. Registration is required and begins March 31 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Learning on Laptops for Teens: Do-It-Yourself Graduation Announcements
Graduating high school seniors can learn how to design and create their own colorful, economical, flat graduation announcement card using pictures and text, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 12, at Pearl Bailey Library. All participants should bring two to three personal or cap and gown black & white photos to be scanned and copied onto a USB drive. Photos must be public domain and not copyright protected. Registration is required online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.
Math Blast with Mr. Charles
Students ages 12-18 and adult students can get free homework help in math from Mr. Charles E. Brown, math instructor at Enterprise Academy, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, April 12, 19, 26, at Pearl Bailey Library. Sessions are 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. Students are encouraged to bring their math books and/or homework assignment sheets. Adults studying for GED Math are also welcomed to attend. No registration required. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.
Teen Advisory Committee at Pearl Bailey Library
Teens ages 12-18 can meet to help advise Library staff on ways to improve Library programs and services. The group meets 5-6:30 p.m., the second Wednesday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is Wednesday, April 13. A Teen Advisory Committee application is required to join, and visitors are welcome. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Learning on Laptops: Drop In and Learn Computer Skills
Students ages 8-17 can “drop in and learn” basic computing skills, 3-5 p.m., Thursdays, April 14 and 28, at Main Street Library in Newport News. Using the Library’s laptop computers, students can choose from a list of skills that they can learn in a 15-30 minute lesson, one on one, with a knowledgeable youth services staff person. Students can choose from skills such as how to cut, copy and paste; how to safely save documents; how to format documents in Microsoft Word; or Internet searching tips and tricks. Students need a Library card in good standing if the lesson includes Internet searching tips and tricks. After the lesson, students may take a bookmark that reinforces the skills. Drop in and Learn Computer Skills will be held the second and fourth Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, and no registration is required. Call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 for more information.
Lego Championship
Youth ages 8-18 can compete to become the Lego Champion, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 14, at Pearl Bailey Library. The one person in each age group (ages 8-12 and ages 13-18) who is first to complete the project using Lego building blocks will receive a prize and be declared Pearl Bailey Library’s Lego Champion. Registration is required and begins March 18 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Anime and Manga Club
Teens ages 12-18 can enjoy Anime screenings and Manga discussions in this new club at Pearl Bailey Library. The new club will meet 4:30-5:30 p.m., Friday, April 15 and May 13, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration is required. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

Grant Writing Workshop
Adults can get grant-writing tips and recommendations of sources, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, April 16, at Main Street Library. Workshops will be conducted by Dr. Jean Filetti, associate professor and writing instructor at Christopher Newport University. 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.

Tuesday Afterschool Make and Take Craft
Children ages 5-11 can make a craft to take home, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, at Pearl Bailey Library. The craft program will be held the third Tuesday of each month, excluding holidays. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Family Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Families can enjoy a showing of the movie “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1,” 5:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, at Grissom Library. In this 2010 movie, Harry races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, and he uncovers the existence of three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows. Rated PG-13. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

FKO Youth Advisory Committee
Children ages 6-11 can meet to help advise Library staff on ways to improve Library programs and services, as well as book purchases. The group meets 4:30-5:15 p.m., the third Wednesday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is Wednesday, April 20. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Movie Night at Main Street Library: “Much Ado About Nothing”
Adults are invited to a free showing of the movie “Much Ado About Nothing,” 6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 21, at Main Street Library. In celebration of Shakespeare's birthday, patrons may come dressed as a favorite Shakespearean character. No registration is required. Call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 for more information.

Teen Advisory Committee at Main Street Library
Teens ages 12-17 can join the Teen Advisory Committee to make a difference at Main Street Library. Committee members provide valuable input in developing teen programs and policies and recommend library book purchases. Any time spent on the committee counts as community service hours. Meetings are 4-5 p.m., the fourth Monday of each month, excluding holidays, September through May. The next meeting is Monday, April 25. No registration required. For more information, call the Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 ext. 6.

Teen Urban Lit Book Club
Teens ages 12-18 meet to discuss "Schooled," a Bluford series book, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 27, at Pearl Bailey Library in Newport News. The Urban Lit Book Club will meet the fourth Wednesday of each month, excluding holidays. New members are always welcome. Registration is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Teen Advisory Committee at Grissom Library
Teens ages 12-18 who want to be more involved in the Library and the services it provides to teens, who want to provide input about the Library’s teen programs and who need Community Service hours are encouraged to join the new Teen Advisory Committee at Grissom Library. The committee will meet 4-5 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at Grissom Library. The next meeting is Thursday, April 28. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Grissom Library presents author Lezlie Evans
Elementary-school aged children and their families can meet children's book author Lezlie Evans, 3-5 p.m., Saturday, April 30, at Grissom Library. Evans, the author of books "Who Loves the Little Lamb?", "Rain Song", "Snow Dance", "If I Were the Wind", "Can You Count 10 Toes?", "Sometimes I Feel Like a Storm Cloud", "Can You Greet the Whole Wide World", "The Bunnies' Picnic" and "The Bunnies' Trip," will read from her books as well as share her writing and publishing experiences with the audience. No registration is required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

Loosely Knit Group
Everyone is welcome to join the Loosely Knit Group, which meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. every Thursday, excluding holidays, at Grissom Library. Anyone who enjoys knitting, crocheting, or any craft is welcome, and no registration is required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

All Tied Up: Bailey Knit & Stitch Group
Adults are welcome to join the All Tied Up Group, which meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. Participants can socialize with others while learning a new skill or enhance their current skills. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Computer classes
Free computer classes are offered at Grissom, Main Street and Pearl Bailey Libraries in Newport News on an ongoing basis covering various topics, including computer and Internet basics, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, resume writing and more. Registration begins April 1 for May classes. Search for classes and register at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling the respective library.

Spring Storytime Session
The Spring Storytime schedule runs through April 23. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling the respective Library.

Grissom Library
• Babygarten for ages birth to 2½ (with parent or caregiver)
Mondays at 10 a.m., April 4, 11, 18
• Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)
Tuesdays at 11 a.m., April 5, 12, 19
• Tiny Tot Storytime for ages 2½ to 3½ (with parent or caregiver)
Wednesdays at 11 a.m., April 6, 13, 20

Pearl Bailey Library
• Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)
Mondays at 10 a.m., April 4, 11, 18
Super Saturday (For ages 2½ to 11 with family members)
Saturdays at 1 p.m., April 9
Main Street Library
• Tiny Tot Storytime for ages 2½ to 3½ (with parent or caregiver)
Tuesdays at 10 a.m., April 5, 12, 19
• Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)
Tuesdays at 11 a.m., April 5, 12, 19
• Wee Ones Storytime for ages birth to 2½ (with parent or caregiver))
second and fourth Thursdays at 10 a.m., April 14, 28

Register for all programs online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling the respective Library:

• Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive, Newport News, VA 23608, 757-369-3190
• Main Street Library, Bookmobile, 110 Main Street, Newport News, VA 23601, 757-591-4858
• Pearl Bailey Library, 2510 Wickham Ave., Newport News, VA 23607, 757-247-8677
• West Avenue Library, 2907 West Ave., Newport News, VA 23607, 757-247-8505
• Public Law Library, 2501 Washington Ave., Newport News, VA 23607, 757-926-8678

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