FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Libraries offer free events in December

Crafts, concerts, sales, more in December

The Library System offers free programs for all ages in December 2011.

Library closings
The Newport News Public Library System will be closed Friday, Dec. 23, Saturday, Dec. 24, Sunday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Dec. 26, for the Christmas holiday. It also will be closed Friday, Dec. 30, Saturday, Dec. 31, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, and Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, for the New Year’s holiday.

Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery Exhibit
A new traveling exhibit about the universe will be at Grissom Library through Feb. 15. The exhibit uses dramatic imagery from Galileo’s observations to the Hubble Space Telescope and other space missions to show how our understanding of the universe has changed over the past 400 years. The exhibit is presented by the Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland; the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and the American Library Association, Chicago, Illinois, through funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Grissom Library will offer free programs and events in connection with the exhibit. Please call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

It’s All in the Fold: Advanced Origami Club
Youth ages 8-18 who are tired of making the same old cups and swans can join this new club at Pearl Bailey Library that will go beyond basic origami to create more advanced animals and boxes. The Club meets 4-5:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is Thursday, Dec. 1. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling
Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Loosely Knit Craft Sale
Shoppers can purchase locally handmade craft items and help their library, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at Grissom Library. Items for sale include hats, scarves, bookmarks, afghans, slippers, Christmas ornaments, baby blankets, baby sweaters, baby hats, baby booties, dishcloths and more. All items are knit, crochet and counted cross-stitch made by members of the Library's Loosely Knit Group. Presented by the Group in conjunction with the Newport News Public Library System Foundation, all proceeds will benefit Grissom Library. Open to the public. For more information, please call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Decorating for the Holidays
Designer Michelle Belsches will show adults how to decorate their tables, trees, wreaths and homes for the holidays, 2-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at Pearl Bailey Library. Patrons should bring their own materials. Registration is required and begins Nov. 14 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

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, Dec. 3, 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.

Creating Quilt Ball Ornaments
Crafting instructor Ruthann Grabowski will teach adults how to create fabric ball ornaments, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 5, at Virgil I. Grissom Library and 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, at Pearl Bailey Library. All supplies provided, and no registration required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 or Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

Winter Concert Series: Acclaim! Barbershop Quartet
Acclaim! Barbershop Quartet will perform Barbershop classics as well as holiday favorites, 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Grissom Library. Free and open to the public. No registration is required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

GAMES ON! Board, Card and Video Games Galore For Youth
Youth ages 6-18 can play the new card games Monopoly, Slam and Pictureka and more with other players, 4:30-6:30 p.m., the first Tuesday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next session is Tuesday, Dec. 6. New members are always welcome, and no registration is required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Holiday Tree Trim
Children ages 4-11 can help decorate the Grissom Tree, listen to a holiday storytime and make ornaments for the tree and one to take home, 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Grissom Library. Registration is required and begins Nov. 23 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

It’s Your Move: Chess Masters Club
Youth ages 6-18 can play chess, 5-6 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Pearl Bailey Library. Library volunteer Lonnie Dixon also will teach youth how to play chess. No registration required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Friends of the Newport News Public Library Booksale
Get great deals on gently used books and more at the Friends of the Newport News Public Library’s book sale, Dec. 8-10, at West Avenue Library. Hours for the sale are noon - 6 p.m.,Thursday, Dec. 8; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9; and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10. A special preview for Friends members only is 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday, Dec. 8. Prices are $1-$3 or as marked for hardbacks, 50 cents or as marked for paperbacks, 25 cents for children’s books, 50 cents for audiobooks on cassette, 50 cents for VHS tapes and $1 or as marked for CDs/DVDs. Collectibles and special interest items are individually priced. On Saturday, Dec. 10, books are 50 percent off, and children’s books are 15 cents each. Contact the Friends of the Newport News Public Library at friendsnewportnews@yahoo.com for additional information or call 757-247-8875.

D.I.A.L: Drop In and Learn Computer Skills (A Learning On Laptops Program)
Youth ages 8-17 can “drop in and learn” basic computing skills, 3-5 p.m., on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at Main Street Library. The next sessions are Thursday, Dec. 8, and Thursday, Dec. 22. Using the Library’s laptop computers, students 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. Skills include how to cut, copy and paste; safely save documents; format documents in Microsoft Word; and Internet searching tips and tricks. After the lesson, students may take a bookmark that reinforces the skills. No registration is required. Call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 for more information.

Creating Putz House Ornaments
Crafting instructor Ruthann Grabowski will teach adults how to create reproduction “Putz” house ornaments, 1920s-1940s era miniature houses, 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8, at Main Street Library. All supplies provided. Registration is required and begins Nov. 8 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Anime and Manga Club
Teens ages 12-18 can enjoy Anime screenings and Manga discussions, 4-5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration is required. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.
Winter Concert Series: Elliott Family Quartet
The Elliott Family String Quartet will present a free concert of holiday music, 4-5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at West Avenue Library and 2-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at Main Street Library. Free and open to the public. No registration required.

Holiday Food Tips with Joshua Morgan
Culinary Institute of Virginia graduate Joshua Morgan will present holiday food tips for adults, 1-2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at Pearl Bailey Library and 6:30-7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 12, at Grissom Library. A holiday dessert will be shared with the audience. Registration is required and begins Nov. 14 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 or Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Winter Concert Series: Rhythm and Blues with Chance ‘n’ Counter
Chance ‘n’ Counter will present a variety of holiday and R&B favorites, 3-4:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at Pearl Bailey Library. Free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

Visions of the Universe: Space Lego Party for Families
As part of the Visions of the Universe exhibit, families will work together to build a "space" creation with Lego building blocks for a chance to win prizes, 3-4:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at Grissom Library. Registration is required and begins Nov. 26 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Break-Out Sessions for Job Seekers
Adults can get help with creating an email account, designing a resume to showcase strengths, completing a worry-free application online, and more during Pearl Bailey Library’s Break-Out Sessions for job-seekers. The next session is 3-5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 12, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration required. For more information, please call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Learning on Laptops for Youth: Online Databases
Youth ages 8-18 will learn basic skills using free online research databases such as Find it Virginia and more, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Pearl Bailey Library. Any 8- to18-year-old with a library card in good standing may use a laptop. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

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, Dec. 14. A Teen Advisory Committee application is required to join, and visitors are welcome. For more information, call 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 7-8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at Grissom Library. The next meeting is Thursday, Dec. 15. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

The Knit Wits: Junior Knitting and Crafting Group
Youth ages 10-17 are invited to learn to knit and participate in other craft projects, 2-4 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month, excluding holidays, at Grissom Library. The next meeting is 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17. Registration is required online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Holiday Cookie Decorating for Teens
Teens ages 12-18 can decorate sugar cookies following a holiday theme, 4-5:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, at Grissom Library. Prizes will be awarded for best cookies in different categories. Registration is required and begins Dec. 3 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

PB Jobseekers’ Club
Adults who are in the market for a job can find help through the free Job Seekers’ Club. Library staff members will provide resources to help adults explore jobs, network with other club members, gain insight from local companies and learn career strategies. The group will meet quarterly. The next meeting is 3-5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 19, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Visions of the Universe: Family Movie
As part of the Visions of the Universe exhibit, families are invited to watch the movie “October Sky,” 3-5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 20, at Grissom Library. Free and open to the public. No registration required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

Couponing 101
Instructor Perrenial Decosta will teach adults the basics of how to start couponing and save, 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 22, at Main Street Library. The class will cover organizing, coupon policies, learning how to "stack" coupons, resourceful websites such as Coupons.com and mscouponista.com. Also the presenter will give tips on store policies and which days will yield the best results. Registration is required and begins Dec. 1 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, Dec. 20, 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.

FKO Youth Advisory Committee at Pearl Bailey Library
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, Dec. 21. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Male Mentoring Program with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Big Brothers Big Sisters and Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with Pearl Bailey Library, will host a Male Mentoring Program for boys and young men ages 9-18 the fourth Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at 4:30 p.m. The next sessions are Thursday, Dec. 22. The program empowers youth to aspire toward higher education through self-creation, avoidance of risk- taking behaviors, and participation in positive, esteem-building activities. Registration is required and ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Teen Urban Lit Book Club
Teens ages 12-18 can meet to discuss a urban lit book, 4:30-5:30 p.m., the fourth Wednesday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 28. New members are always welcome, and no registration is required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

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 Dec. 1 for January classes. Search for classes and register at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling the respective library.

Second Fall Storytime Sessions
The second fall storytime schedule runs through Dec. 17. 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., Dec. 5, 12
• Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)
Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Dec. 6, 13
• Tiny Tot Storytime for ages 2½ to 3½ (with parent or caregiver)
Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Dec. 7, 14

Pearl Bailey Library
• Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)
Mondays at 10 a.m., Dec. 5, 12
Super Saturday (For ages 2½ to 11 with family members)
Saturdays at noon, Dec. 17 (Christmas program)

Main Street Library
• Tiny Tot Storytime for ages 2½ to 3½ (with parent or caregiver)
Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Dec. 6,13
• Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)
Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Dec. 6, 13
• Wee Ones Storytime for ages birth to 2½ (with parent or caregiver)
second and fourth Thursdays at 10 a.m., Dec. 8, 22

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