FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Learn to organize paperwork, computer skills, more in January at Newport News Libraries

Events and closing information for the month of January

Library Closings
The Newport News Public Library System will be closed Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011, for New Years and Monday, Jan. 17, for Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday.

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, Jan. 4, 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.
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, Jan. 8, 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. This is a change in date for this event only because of the New Years holiday. No registration is required.

Learning on Laptops for Youth: Online Databases
Youth ages 8-11 will learn basic skills using free online research databases such as Find it Virginia, Mango Languages and more, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 11, at Pearl Bailey Library. These classes will be held the second Tuesday of each month through May 2011. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Tax Relief: Organizing Paperwork in Your Home
Mary Frances Ballard, professional organizer, author and speaker, will explain strategies for managing and organizing the flow of paperwork in your home, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 11, at Grissom Library; 2-3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, at Pearl Bailey Library; and 3-4 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 26, at West Avenue Library. Retention guidelines for storing papers, controlling incoming papers, maintaining paper flow and a question-and-answer session will be included. No registration is required. This program kicks off “Reach For Your Dreams,” a series of how-to programs for adults throughout 2011.
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, Jan. 12. 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, Jan. 13 and Jan. 27, at Main Street Library. 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, and no registration is required.

Learning on Laptops for Teens: Online Databases
Teens ages 12-18 will learn basic skills using free online research databases such as Find it Virginia, Mango Languages and more, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Pearl Bailey Library. These classes will be held the third Tuesday of each month through May 2011. 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
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, Jan. 19. 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, 2-3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22, at Grissom Library. Creations may be displayed in the children's area. Registration is required and begins Jan. 8 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Teen Urban Lit Book Club
Teens ages 12-18 meet to discuss "Schooled," by Gordon Korman, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Pearl Bailey Library. The Urban Lit Book Club will meet the fourth Wednesday of each month. 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.

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 Jan. 1 for February 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 Storytime Session
The Winter Storytime schedule runs Jan. 18-Feb. 26. Registration is required and begins Dec. 27 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., Jan. 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21
· Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)
Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Jan. 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22
· Tiny Tot Storytime for ages 2½ to 3½ (with parent or caregiver)
Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Jan. 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23

Pearl Bailey Library
· Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)
Mondays at 10 a.m., Jan. 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21
Main Street Library
· Tiny Tot Storytime for ages 2½ to 3½ (with parent or caregiver)
Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Jan. 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22
· Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)
Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Jan. 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22
· Wee Ones Storytime for ages birth to 2½ (with parent or caregiver))
second and fourth Thursdays at 10 a.m., Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 10, 24

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

The Newport News Public Library System consists of four public libraries, a public law library and a bookmobile. Programs presented by the Library System are free and open to the public. For more information on Newport News Public Library System programs, please call 757-247-8875 or visit www.nngov.com/library. View photos from the Newport News Public Library System’s programs at www.flickr.com/photos/25845028@N05/. View all Library News Releases at http://www.nngov.com/pressroom/press-releases/library-press-releases

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