FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Black History, storytelling, Newport News history, more celebrated in February

Libraries host free programs in February

Libraries host free programs for February 2009.

Library Closings

The Newport News Public Library System will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, for George Washington’s Birthday.

Paws to Read

The Paws to Read program helps children ages 6 to 10 build their confidence by reading out loud to dogs at Newport News’ Grissom Library on the first Saturday of each month. The next Paws to Read program will be 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Grissom Library. Parents are required to fill out a permission slip and may accompany their children, as well. Registration is required, and begins Jan. 24 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Afrikan History Month

Professional storyteller Felix Simmons Sr. will share stories, the history of Black History Month and hands-on entertainment with African instruments, 3-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, Grissom Library. No registration required.

Acting Shakespeare Master Classes

Actors from the Aquila Theatre Company of New York will help participants explore how a classical performance text develops from the page to the stage, 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. Participants will learn the clear directions and choices Shakespeare gives the actor and learn methods of classical acting. Part of Page and Stage, an in-depth partnership between the Newport News Public Library System and the Aquila Theatre in New York, with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Registration is required and begins Jan. 11 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Aquila Theatre’s performance of The Iliad and discussion

The Aquila Theatre Company of New York will present a live performance of The Iliad and a local scholar will engage the audience in a discussion with the Aquila artists, 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. Part of Page and Stage, an in-depth partnership between the Newport News Public Library System and the Aquila Theatre in New York, with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  No registration is required.

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, Feb. 19. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Black History Storytelling with Art Johnson

Art Johnson, a well-known veteran interpreter for Colonial Williamsburg, will celebrate Black History Month, 2-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, at Pearl Bailey Library. Included will be Black history stories dramatizing freedom, slavery and historical construction of heroes.  No registration is 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 Tuesdays, Feb. 17 and March 17, 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.

 “The Pursuit of Happyness”

Chris Gardner told his story of rising from homelessness to become a self-made millionaire through his autobiography “The Pursuit of Happyness” and the movie starring Will Smith based on his book. Hampton University Assistant Professor Shonda Buchanan will lead a discussion of homelessness as a social issue, various storytelling forms, and show clips from the movie, 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17, at West Avenue Library and 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, at Pearl Bailey Library. Registration is required and begins Jan. 2 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling West Avenue Library at 757-247-8505 or Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Houseplants 101

Master Gardener Brownley Foster will teach participants basic care of houseplants, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, at Grissom Library. Included will be houseplant requirements, plants that thrive in the winter and easy and inexpensive tips to keep plants healthy. Registration is required and begins Feb. 1 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Old Dominion Land Company Exhibit Opening

The story of the founding of Newport News by the Old Dominion Land Company is fully told for the first time in a new history exhibit featuring photographs, maps, blueprints, documents, and postcards. It also includes a section on African-American life in Newport News between 1880 and 1930. The exhibit’s opening will be celebrated 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, at Main Street Library with keynote speeches by Dr. Julie Richter, history lecturer at the College of William and Mary, and Dr. Michael Hucles, associate professor of African-American history at Old Dominion University. In addition, the Peninsula Youth Orchestra will perform period music. No registration is required.

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 Feb. 1 for March 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.

Winter Storytimes

Register online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling the respective library.

Pearl Bailey Library

·         Family Storytime for parents and children up to age 9, 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17

Grissom Library

·         Babygarten for ages birth to 2½ (with parent or caregiver)

Mondays at 10 a.m., Jan. 26, Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 23;

·         Preschool Storytime  for ages 3½ to 5 (Children only)

Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24;

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

Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18, Feb. 25.

Main Street Library

·         Preschool Storytime for ages 3½ to 5 (Children only)

Tuesdays 11 a.m.

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

Tuesdays 10 a.m.,

·         Wee Ones Storytime for ages birth to 2½ (with parent or caregiver)

second and fourth Thursdays, 10 a.m.

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