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Workshops, discussions in February

Learn about telescopes, mancala, Civil War, more in February

The Newport News Public Library System will hold many events for children, teens, adults, and families in February at the library branches.

Artifacts from the American Civil War provided by the Virginia War Museum are on display through March 17 in the display case in the lobby of Main Street Library.

Library closings

The Newport News Public Library System will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, for George Washington’s Birthday.

Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery Exhibit

A 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.

Battle of the Books Practice Sessions

The Library System plans and coordinates the annual Battle of the Books program for schools in Newport News. The competition provides a way for students to have fun with books, while encouraging reading and promoting reading comprehension. Children in the elementary and middle school divisions read 15 books and answer questions based on the books. Library staff members read 30 books and write questions that are used to help schools practice in weekly mock battles. Practice sessions familiarize students with the conditions of the battles, acquaint them with the buzzer board, and familiarize them with the format of the questions. The practice sessions are 3:15 to 4:15 for middle schools and 4:30 to 5:30 for elementary schools on these dates and locations: Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 at Grissom Library; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 at Pearl Main Library; and Feb. 7, 14, 21 at Main Street Library.

It’s Your Move: Chess Masters Club

Youth ages 6-18 can play chess, 5-6 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 1, and Wednesday, Feb. 29, 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.

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 club to 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, Feb. 2. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling
Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Learning on Laptops: Homework Help

Teens ages 12-18 may drop in and get help with computer-related homework and learn basic computer skills, 6-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at Grissom Library. The first session is Thursday, Feb. 2. No registration required. Please call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

Author Talk: “Life After J.E.B. Stuart”

Professor Sean M. Heuvel will give an author talk about his new book, “Life After J.E.B. Stuart: The Memoirs of His Granddaughter, Marrow Stuart Smith,” along with a question-and-answer session, 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Feb. 4, at Main Street Library. Copies of his book will be available for sale, as well. For more information, call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

How to Use Your Library

Library users of all ages can get an overview of library services, 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 4, at Virgil I. Grissom Library. Topics to be covered include how to search the catalog and reserve material, how to research using the Library’s online databases in the Library and at home; an explanation of library services, programs and classes; and time for questions and answers. No registration required. Please call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

Visions of the Universe: Making a Telescope

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can learn about and assemble their own telescope to take home, 1-2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Grissom Library. All supplies provided. Registration is required online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

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, Feb. 4, at Grissom Library. 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.

Break-Out Sessions for Jobseekers

Teens and adults can get assistance with creating an email account, designing a resume or completion of an online application on the second Monday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next session is 3-5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6. No registration required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

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, Feb. 7. New members are always welcome, and no registration is required. For more information, call 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, Feb. 8. A Teen Advisory Committee application is required to join, and visitors are welcome. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War

Dr. Phillip Hamilton, associate professor of history at Christopher Newport University, will lead a series of book discussions for adults on the Civil War to commemorate the war’s 150th anniversary. Book discussions will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m., every other Thursday, excluding holidays, through March at Main Street Library. Upcoming book discussion dates are Feb. 9; March 1 and March 8. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Lego party

Children ages 6 -11 can use Lego building blocks provided by the Library to build a creation based on the theme of the day, 2-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, at Grissom Library. Creations may be displayed in the children’s area. Registration is required online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Learning on Laptops (LOL) 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, Feb. 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.

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, Feb. 15. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

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, Feb. 18. Registration is required online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Tuesday Afterschool Make and Take Craft

Children ages 5-11 can make a craft to take home, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21, 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.

Teen Urban Lit Book Club

Teens ages 12-18 can meet to discuss the urban lit book, “Hunger Games,” 4:30-5:30 p.m., the fourth Wednesday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 22. New members are always welcome, and no registration is required. For more information, call 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, Feb. 23. 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.

Movie Night at Main Street Library

Adults can enjoy the showing of a free movie, 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23, at Main Street Library. No registration required. Call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 for more information.

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, Feb. 23. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Free information sessions

Representatives from community service organizations will be available to provide information to patrons at West Avenue Library. Representatives from the Community Services Board will be present 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24. Representatives from Peninsula Work Force will be present 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27. Please call West Avenue Library at 757-247-8505 for more information.

Anime and Manga Club

Teens ages 12-17 can enjoy Anime screenings and Manga discussions, 4-5:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration is required. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

Teen Advisory Committee at Main Street Library and Craftapalooza

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. The next meeting is 4-6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27, at Main Street Library. Following the meeting, teens can join in crafting projects including jewelry-making, tie-dye T-shirts and duct tape creations.. No registration required. For more information, call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 ext. 6.

Mancala Challenge for Youth

In celebration of Black History Month, youth ages 8-18 can compete in a Mancala Challenge, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27, at Pearl Bailey Library. The final player to collect the most gems in the round-robin game competition will be declared the winner and receive a Mancala game set. No registration 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 Feb. 1 for March classes. Search for classes and register at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling the respective library.

Winter Storytime Sessions

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., Feb. 6, 13

· Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)

Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Feb. 7, 14, 21

· Tiny Tot Storytime for ages 2½ to 3½ (with parent or caregiver)

Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22

Pearl Bailey Library

· Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)

Mondays at 10 a.m., Feb. 6, 13

Main Street Library
· Tiny Tot Storytime for ages 2½ to 3½ (with parent or caregiver)
Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Feb 7, 14, 21

· Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)
Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Feb 7, 14, 21

· Wee Ones Storytime for ages birth to 2½ (with parent or caregiver)
second and fourth Thursdays at 10 a.m., Feb. 9, 23

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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