FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Libraries host free Summer Reading Programs for adults, teens, kids

Everyone can “dive into” reading this summer during the Newport News Public Library System’s Summer Reading Program. Adults, teens and children of all ages can read books, win prizes and participate in special programs, Monday, June 21, through Friday, July 31 -- all for free.

The Virginia Aquarium’s Ocean in Motion truck will bring the sea to the Newport News Public Library System as part of the Summer Reading Program, Tuesday, July 13, at Grissom Library; Wednesday, July 14, at Main Street Library; and

Everyone can “dive into” reading this summer during the Newport News Public Library System’s Summer Reading Program. Adults, teens and children of all ages can read books, win prizes and participate in special programs, Monday, June 21, through Friday, July 31 -- all for free.

Teens and children can sign up at any branch or the Bookmobile between June 21 and July 31. At sign-up, kids and teens receive a book log to keep track of reading and earn prizes throughout the program, based on the number of books read. Teens are encouraged to write a short “blurb” about a book and enter for weekly drawings. Adults reading to children may sign up their preschoolers to earn prizes, too. Adults can enter drawings for each Library book they read.

Special free activities will be provided at Grissom, Main Street and Pearl Bailey Libraries throughout the program to bring children, teens, and families to the Library for reading and fun. Pearl Bailey Library programs will be held at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, at 2410 Wickham Avenue, across the street from Pearl Bailey Library. Programs will include songs, crafts, magic, shadow puppets, instruments and storytelling. The Virginia Living Museum will present “Swamp Monsters,” and each Library will host the Ocean in Motion truck from the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center to get “up close” and really “make a splash” in our wetlands, bay and ocean. Some programs require registration.

Summer Reading programs are made possible by the Friends of the Newport News Public Library System.

See program schedules below and online at www.nngov.com/library.

Teen Programs:
Grissom Library
Teen Summer Reading Program Kick-off: 6:30-8 pm., June 22, at Grissom Library. Challenge your friends to dueling guitars on Wii Rock Band. Make buttons and share refreshments. Registration required and limited to 25.
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 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.

Main Street Library
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.

Pearl Bailey Library
Teen Movie Afternoon: 2 p.m., Thursday, July 1, at Pearl Bailey Library. Chill out with a cool film and some hot popcorn.
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.

Children’s Programs:
Summer Reading Program Kick-off for youth and adults: 1-3 p.m., Monday, June 21, at Pearl Bailey Library. Meet Kenya the Klown, make a craft and enjoy outdoor fun at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave., across the street from Pearl Bailey Library. Presented in cooperation with the Wickham Avenue Alliance.
Pamlico Joe and Clean Water Flo: 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 22, at Grissom Library; 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 23, at Pearl Bailey Library (to be held at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center); 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 23, at Main Street Library. Join this lively musical duo singing and playing songs while learning more about our coastal environment.
Virginia Living Museum Swamp Monsters! 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 22, at Main Street Library; 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 20, at Grissom Library; and 2 p.m., Thursday, July 29, at Pearl Bailey Library (to be held at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center). Take a look at who you might find in the swamp and make friends with some not-so-scary creatures.
Beach Creatures: 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 23, at Grissom Library; 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.
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.
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.
Rob Westcott, Magician: 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 29, at Main Street Library; 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 29 at Grissom Library; 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 30, at Pearl Bailey Library (to be held at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center). Hook a Book-Make a Splash ... Read! Have fun and enjoy magic, storytelling, puppets and songs with Rob.
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!
Wetland Discovery! 2 p.m., June 30, at Grissom Library: Join a Newport News park ranger and discover interesting facts about animals and wetlands right in your backyard!
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!
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!
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.
Family Summer Magic: 2 p.m., June 30, at Main Street Library. Bring your family for “oceans” of magical fun with Harold Wood, magician.
Kids’ Movie Afternoon @ Your Library: 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 7, at Main Street Library; 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 14, at Grissom Library. Cool off with a movie and snacks at the Library.
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.
End of Summer Ice Cream Social: 2 p.m., July 28, at Grissom Library. Create a sundae with ice cream and layers of toppings! Registration is required and limited to 50.

Summer Storytimes:
June 21-July 31, 2010
Grissom Library
Wee Ones for ages birth to 3 (with parent or caregiver): Mondays at 10 a.m., June 21, 28; July 12, 19, 26
Preschool Storytime for ages 3½ to 5 (Children only): Tuesdays at 11 a.m., June 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27
Paws to Read (ages 6-10): First Saturday of each month at 3 p.m., June 5, July 3, Aug. 7, parental permission required

Pearl Bailey Library
Preschool Storytime for ages 3½ to 5 (Children only): Mondays at 10 a.m., June 21, 28; July 12, 19, 26
Super Saturday Storytime (ages 2½ to 11 with families): Saturdays, June 12, June 26; 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., June 10, 24; July 8, 22
Preschool Storytime for ages 3½ to 5 (Children only): Tuesdays at 10 a.m., June 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27

To register and for more information, visit www.nngov.com/library or call 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
 

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