FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free programs for July

Virginia Aquarium, crafts, music, parties, much more in July

Newport News Public Libraries offer free programs for July 2010.

Cindy Kays, left, and Shelly Craig Potter will perform music for Young and Old

Library closings
The Newport News Public Library System will be closed Sunday, July 4, and Monday, July 5, for Independence Day.
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, July 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.

Up for Discussion: Main Street Library Book Discussion Group
Adults will discuss the book “The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest” by Stieg Larsson, 7-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 14, 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 June 17 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, 3-4 p.m., Saturday, July 17, at Grissom Library. Creations may be displayed in the children's area. Registration is required and begins July 3 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Summer Concert Series: Jo’s Boys
Jo’s Boys, an acoustic trio featuring Joanne Wieck (Jo) on vocals and hand percussion, Jeff Wieck on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Curtis Brady on lead guitar and vocals, will perform covers of classic rock, 3-4 p.m., Saturday, July 17, at Main Street Library. No registration required.

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, July 20, in the Business Information Center at Main Street Library. Registration is required and begins June 16 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, July 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

Monday night at the movies
All ages are invited to a showing of the movie “Pride,” 6:30-8:30 p.m., Monday, July 26, at Main Street Library. This sports drama from 2007 tells the real-life story of Jim Ellis, an African-American swim coach who in the 1970s resurrected an inner-city Philadelphia public pool and recruited at-risk teens to join his swim team. It is rated PG-13 and features Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac, Kimberly Elise, Tom Arnold and Nate Parker, a Norfolk native and star of “The Great Debaters,” who appeared at Main Street Library in May 2008. No registration required.

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 July for August 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.

Summer Reading Programs
For Adults
Adults, come and “Water Your Mind” during the Newport News Public Library System’s Summer Reading Program for adults. For each library book read Monday, June 21, through Friday, July 31, adults ages 18 and older can enter drawings at Newport News Libraries. The more books read, the more chances to win. Complete the forms and drop them in the Summer Reading Program box at any Newport News Library, including the Bookmobile, to enter the drawings.

For Children and Teens
Children and teens can “dive into” reading this summer during the Newport News Public Library System’s Summer Reading Program. Children of all ages can read books, win prizes and participate in special programs, Monday, June 21, through Friday, July 31 -- all for free. Sign up anytime between June 21 and July 31 to receive a book log to keep track of reading and earn prizes throughout the program. Children and teens will win prizes based on the number of books they read. Adults reading to children may sign up their preschoolers and earn prizes, too. Please visit www.nngov.com/library or call 757-247-8875 for more information. Some programs require registration.

Teen SRP Programs
Teen Movie Afternoon: 2 p.m., Thursday, July 1, at Pearl Bailey Library. Chill out with a cool film and some hot popcorn.
Create Web Comics: 3-4:30 p.m., July 1, at Grissom Library. Learn how to create comics online using the website Pixton. A Learning on Laptops program. Registration required and limited to 12.
Teen Movie Night: 6-8:30 p.m., July 8, at Grissom Library. Follow Captain Jack Sparrow on his adventures to reclaim the Black Pearl. Snacks and drinks provided. Registration required and limited to 40.
Teen Thing Thursdays: 3-5 p.m., July 8, July 15, July 22, and July 29, at Main Street Library. Bring your beach towel and kick back with great beach movies. We’ll “Mad-Lib” some old favorites, share refreshments, and make a craft.
Graphic Comics Workshops with Aaron Taylor: 10 a.m., July 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, at Pearl Bailey Library. Sign up to attend this five-session workshop with a well-known graphic artist. Learn the basics and have time to explore your talent. Materials provided. Registration is required for the five sessions and limited to 25.
Teen Craft Night: CD Clocks: 6:30-7:30 p.m., July 15, Grissom Library. Turn old CDs into working, battery-operated clocks. Snacks and drinks provided. Registration required and limited to 20.
Video imaging and editing: 4-5:30 p.m., July 22, Grissom Library. Learn how to use free software to edit video and images online. A Learning on Laptops program. Registration required and limited to 12.
End of Summer DDR Party: 6:30–8 p.m., July 29, Grissom Library. Jump on the mat and challenge your friends to Dance Dance Revolution. Make buttons and share refreshments. Registration is required and limited to 25.

Children’s SRP Programs:
Connie Ralston, Drum Lady: 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 6, at Grissom Library; 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 13, at Main Street Library; 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 14, at Pearl Bailey (to be held at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center). Drumming and Storytelling: Experience drumming and wonderful stories from all over the world.
Lynn Ruehlmann, Storyteller: Shimmer Swimmers: 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 6 at Main Street Library; 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 7 at Grissom Library; 2 p.m., Thursday, July 8, at Pearl Bailey Library (to be held at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center). Have you ever seen a theater in a suitcase? Lynn brings her shadow puppets to help sing songs, teach sign language, and tell stories, including a mermaid and a big, silly fish!
Water Safety: Make a Splash and Be Safe in the Water! 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 7, at Pearl Bailey Library; 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 21, Main Street Library. Learn how to have fun AND be safe in the water with Newport News Parks & Recreation aquatics instructors.
Kids’ Movie Afternoon @ Your Library: 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 7, at Main Street Library; 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 14, at Grissom Library. Kids ages 6-11 can cool off with a movie and snacks at the Library.
Virginia Aquarium Ocean in Motion: Tuesday, July 13, at Grissom Library; Wednesday, July 14, at Main Street Library;
Thursday, July 15, at Pearl Bailey Library (Play at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center; truck at Pearl Bailey Library). The sea comes to you in a truck full of touch tanks and saltwater aquariums. See a play at 11 a.m., then visit the truck anytime from noon-4 p.m. All ages are welcome.
Beach Creatures: 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 20 at Main Street Library. Meet live horseshoe crabs, sea stars and more and learn fascinating facts about how these creatures survive in the ocean. Registration is required and limited to 30.
Kenya the Klown! 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 21, at Grissom Library; 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 28, at Main Street Library. Join Kenya the Klown for magic, balloons, and more!
 Make and Take Fish Printing craft: 2 p.m., July 21, at Pearl Bailey. Ages 6-11 are invited to use paint and fish (rubber ones!) to print your own T-shirts. Registration is required.
C. Shells, Music for Young and Old: 2 p.m., Thursday, July 22, at (to be held at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center); 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 27 at Main Street Library; 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 27 at Grissom Library. Join Cindy and Shelly for great songs that will get you up on your feet and dancin’ to the beat!
Sea Puppets: 2 p.m., July 28, Pearl Bailey Library only. Enjoy a puppet show, make a craft and discover beach creatures with the Virginia Aquarium. Ages 2-12.
End of Summer Ice Cream Social: 2 p.m., July 28, at Grissom Library. Kids ages 6-11 can create a sundae with ice cream and layers of toppings! Registration is required and limited to 50.

Summer Storytimes
The summer storytime schedule runs June 21 – July 31. No registration is required.

Grissom Library
• Wee Ones for ages birth to 3 (with parent or caregiver): Mondays at 10 a.m., July 12, 19, 26
• Preschool Storytime for ages 3½ to 5 (Children only): Tuesdays at 11 a.m., July 6, 13, 20, 27
• Paws to Read (ages 6-10): First Saturday of each month at 3 p.m., Aug. 7, parental permission required
Pearl Bailey Library
• Preschool Storytime for ages 3½ to 5 (Children only): Mondays at 10 a.m., July 12, 19, 26
• Super Saturday Storytime (ages 2½ to 11 with families): Saturday, July 24
Main Street Library
• Wee Ones Storytime for ages birth to 3 (with parent or caregiver): second and fourth Thursdays at 10 a.m., July 8, 22
• Preschool Storytime for ages 3½ to 5 (Children only): Tuesdays at 10 a.m., July 6, 13, 20, 27

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