FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Library hosts free programs in January

Libraries offer resume assistance, teen events, more

Games galore, learning on laptops, resume workshops, and book discussions are just a few of the free programs offered at Newport News libraries in January.

Library closings

The Library System will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, for New Year’s. It also will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday.

Paws to Read

The Paws to Read program helps 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, Jan. 2, at Grissom Library. Parents are required to fill out a permission slip and may accompany their children, as well. No registration is required.

Games Galore Plus Yu Gi OH! 

Youth ages 8-18 can play Yu Gi Oh and other games, 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Pearl Bailey Library. The gaming event will be the first Tuesday of each month, January through June. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

Learning on Laptops: Word 2007

Youth ages 9-12 can learn how to use Word 2007, 4-5:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 11, at Grissom Library.  Students will learn how to create basic text documents and more.  In order to use the laptops, youth must have a library card and signed parental permission.  Please contact the library at 369-3190 for more details. Registration is required and begins Jan. 11 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

LOL Math Blast: Math Strategies for Algebra I, II and Geometry

Teens in grades 9-12 can get extra help with math, 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Pearl Bailey Library. Teen Advisory Committee member Brandon Ashlock will share his personal math strategies for Algebra l, II and Geometry with other high school students. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

Up for Discussion: Main Street Library Book Discussion Group

Adults will discuss a book, 7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Main Street Library. Call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 after Dec. 16 to find out the book title, which will be available to borrow from the Newport News Public Library System.  Registration is required and begins Dec. 17 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library.

Introduction to the Business Decision database

Main Street Library staff will teach participants how to use the Business Decision database. The small-business-oriented marketing 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, Jan. 14. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Getting Your Foot in the Door: Effective Resumes and Cover Letters

Michael Willits, a communications instructor, will teach participants strategies to make their resumes and cover letters stand out, 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 16, at Main Street Library. This workshop will cover crafting a successful application package, from analyzing a job description and highlighting skills and experiences, to using language that will capture the employer's attention, and how to account for gaps in a career record. Participants are encouraged to bring in their current resumes and job descriptions of interest. Registration is required and begins Dec. 14 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 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 Tuesday, Jan. 19, 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.

Learning on Laptops: Guide to Online Databases

Youth ages 8-18 can learn basic skills for using Newport News Public Library System’s Online Databases through Find It Virginia, 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Pearl Bailey Library. All participants must present their Library card and have a laptop registration form signed by a parent/guardian on file. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

For Kids Only Book Club

Children ages 7-11 can join Pearl Bailey Library's book club for kids to read and discuss favorite books and do fun, book-related activities, 3-4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Pearl Bailey Library. The Book Club will meet once a month. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

FKO Youth Advisory Committee  

Children ages 6-11 are invited to join the new library advisory group for youth at Pearl Bailey Library. The FKO Youth Advisory Committee will meet after the FKO Book Club meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Pearl Bailey Library. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

PB Jobseekers Club

PB Jobseekers Club offers adults the ability to network with each other while obtaining some needed skills for entering the workforce. Membership is open to about 30 residents of the Southeast Community and surrounding areas, and meetings will be held monthly beginning 9:30-11:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 25, in the meeting room at Pearl Bailey Library. Registration is required and is ongoing by visiting Pearl Bailey Library or calling 757-247-8677.

Learning on Laptops: Facebook applications

Teens ages 13-17 can learn to use Facebook applications, 4-5:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 25, at Grissom Library.  Students will find new ways to interact with fellow friends through the many available Facebook applications and functions. In order to use the laptops, teens must have a library card and signed parental permission.  Please contact Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information. Registration is required and begins Jan. 11 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Chess Masters Club for Kids and Teens

Youth in grades 2-12 can play chess or learn how to play chess, 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26, at Pearl Bailey Library. Teen Advisory Committee members and high school chess team members Chris Smith and Trent Sims will teach beginners how to play chess. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

Teen Urban Lit Book Club

Teens ages 12 to 18 can meet the fourth Wednesday of each month at Pearl Bailey Library for the Teen Urban Lit Book Club. Members will continue their discussion of the book "Lost and Found" from the Bluford series, 4:30-6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Pearl Bailey Library. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

Teen Wii Night featuring Rock Band

Teens ages 12 to 17 can hang out with their friends and compete in Rock Band on the Wii gaming system, 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28, at Grissom Library. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required and begins Jan. 14 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.

Bookmobile

The Newport News Public Library System’s Bookmobile makes scheduled stops Mondays through Thursdays, except for holidays. The schedule is available online at http://www.nngov.com/library/resources/bkmschedule or call 757-591-4858 for information. The Bookmobile is wheelchair accessible.

Computer classes

Registration begins Dec. 1 for January 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

The Winter Storytime schedule runs Jan. 18-Feb. 27. Register 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.

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

Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

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

Tuesdays at 11 a.m.

Pearl Bailey Library

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

Mondays at 10 a.m.

·         Super Saturday Storytime

Saturdays, 1-2 p.m.

Jan. 23,   Feb. 20,  March 6, March 20, April  3, April 17, and May 15

Main Street Library

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

second and fourth Thursdays at 10 a.m.

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

Tuesdays at  10 a.m.

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

Tuesdays at 11 a.m.

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

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