FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free events for August

Jazz, Legos more in August

Library closing

The Newport News Public Library System will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 18, for in-service staff training.

Summer Concert Series: Brutha's Keepa
Brutha’s Keepa will perform a variety of classic R&B and jazz music, 2-3:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 7, at Pearl Bailey Library. This group performs at jazz clubs in Newport News, Virginia Beach, Norfolk and other surrounding areas. They will open for "Meet Mr. Brown" comedy show at Chrysler Hall in July. No registration required.

Paws to Read

Children ages 6 to 10 build their confidence by reading out loud to trained therapy 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, Aug. 7, at Grissom Library. Parents are required to fill out a permission slip and may accompany their children, as well. No registration is required.

Teen Advisory Committee
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 at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 11. A Teen Advisory Committee application is required to join, and visitors are welcome. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Up for Discussion: Main Street Library Book Discussion Group

Adults will discuss the book “A Mercy” by Toni Morrison, 7-8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11, in the Friends of the Newport News Public Library Bookstore at Main Street Library. This book is available to borrow from the Newport News Public Library System, and participants are asked to read the book completely before attending. Registration is required and begins July 15 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online

Main Street Library staff will teach adults 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, Aug. 17, in the Business Information Center at Main Street Library. Registration is required and begins July 21 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

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 at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 18. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

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, 3-4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 21, at Grissom Library. Creations may be displayed in the children's area. Registration is required and begins Aug. 7 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Loosely Knit Group

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

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 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

Registration begins Aug. 1 for September 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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