FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Library hosts free programs in June

Summer Reading Program, story sharing, folk art, more at Libraries in June

The Library System will host free programs in June that include the Summer Reading Program, story sharing, and folk art.

Yu Gi Oh Learn and Duel Card Club

Youth ages 9 to 18 can learn the basic rules to play Yu Gi Oh, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, at Pearl Bailey Library. Participants are encouraged to bring their own deck of cards and duel with other players. Trading is allowed, but players will not lose their cards in the games. No registration is required.

 ‘Yes, You Can Go to College’ for Teens

Diana Durham, coordinator of the Southeast Higher Education Center of Thomas Nelson Community College, discusses the steps necessary for teens ages 14-18 to prepare for college and  what to consider for each step, 4-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 3, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration required.

Virginia Employment Commission Website Orientation Sessions

In the Business Center, the Main Street Library staff will offer orientation sessions to help patrons register to use the Virginia Employment Commission site, VAworkconnect.com, 10 a.m. to noon, Mondays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; and 2 to 4 p.m., Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Storytelling Practice with Dylan Pritchett

Participants from Library storytelling programs can practice telling their stories and get coaching from professional storyteller Dylan Pritchett, 6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 4, at Main Street Library. This workshop is recommended for anyone who plans to perform a story at the Share Your Story: Open Mic and Oral Histories program on June 6. Sponsored by the Newport News Public Library System’s Herbert H. Neisser Fund. Registration is required, and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Paws to Read

The Paws to Read program helps children ages 6 to 10 build their confidence by reading out loud to 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, June 6, at Grissom Library. Parents are required to fill out a permission slip and may accompany their children, as well. No registration is required.

Share your Story: Open Mic and Oral Histories

The “What’s Your Story? Share It At Your Library” series concludes with the opportunity for everyone to share their stories. Anyone who has participated in Library storytelling programs is encouraged to perform their story for the Library community by reserving 10-minute “open mic” sessions, 3-5 p.m., Saturday, June 6, at Main Street Library. Professional storyteller Dylan Pritchett will be available for last-minute coaching of participants, if needed. Those who would like to share their story more privately may also reserve sessions to have their oral histories recorded for their own use as well as for the library’s collections. Also, participants will have the opportunity to create artwork based on their lives, courtesy of the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. Sponsored by the Newport News Public Library System’s Herbert H. Neisser Fund. Registration is required ONLY for those who are performing or recording a story. To register to perform a story,  visit  www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858. To register to have a story recorded privately, call Rob Morrisette at Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Teen Advisory Committee Meeting

Teens ages 12-18 are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Teen Advisory Committee, 5-6 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, at Pearl Bailey Library. Teens help advise Library staff on ways to improve Library services and programs for teens. No registration is required.

Introduction to the Business Decision database

Main Street Library staff will teach participants how to use the Business Decision database, located in the Business Information Center at Main Street Library. The small-business-oriented 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, June 11. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Introduction to Primitive Folk Art

Instructor Ruthann Grabowski will provide a brief introduction to primitive folk art painting, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at Grissom Library. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own primitive folk art painting of their home or a home they once lived in. Registration is required and begins May 22 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Art in the Park

The Newport News Public Library System will participate in Art in the Park, presented by the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, 1-5 p.m., Sunday, June 14, at The Mariners’ Museum Park. The Bookmobile will be available, as well as the opportunity to sign up for the Summer Reading Program.

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, June 16, 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.

Friends of the Newport News Public Library June Book Sale at Grissom Library

Great deals on gently used books, DVDs and more at Grissom Library: Noon-5 p.m., Thursday, June 18; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, June 19; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, June 20. A special preview sale for Friends members only is 10 a.m.-noon, Thursday, June 18. Prices:

Hardbacks: $1 each; paperbacks:50 cents each; children’s books: 25 cents each; audio books: 10-25 cents each; VHS tapes: 50 cents each; CD/DVDs:  $1 each; Bargain Corner Books: 10-25 cents each; and collectibles, out of print books and current best sellers are individually priced.

Healthy Weight, Healthy Teens

Jacqueline Simmons, 4-H Family Nutrition Program assistant,  shares information that will help teens ages 12-18 establish healthy living practices that will assure productive lives. Teens will also have an opportunity to make and sample healthy foods and snacks, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration required.

Teen Urban Lit Book Club

Teens ages 12-18 meet to discuss books from the Bluford Series “Lost and Found,” 4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, at Pearl Bailey Library. New members are always welcome. An ice cream sundae bar will be offered after the event. No registration required.

ABCs of Grant Writing

Participants can get grant-writing tips and recommendations of sources,1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 27, at Main Street Library. Workshops will be conducted by Dr. Jean Filetti, associate professor and writing instructor at Christopher Newport University. Registration is required, and begins June 1 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Loosely Knit Group

Everyone is welcome to join the Loosely Knit Group, which meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. every first and third Thursday of each month 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 summer 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 June 1 for July 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

Master the Art of Reading

For each library book read Monday, June 22, 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.  Prizes include notepads, bookmarks, coffee mugs and goodies or the grand prize, tickets to a show and dinner for two. Upcoming programs include concerts, art lessons, cooking classes, writing workshops and author talks.

Summer Reading Program for Children and Teens

Children and teens can get creative and express themselves during the Summer Reading Program. Children of all ages can read books and win prizes, Monday, June 22, through Friday, July 31. Children and Teens will win prizes based on the number of minutes they read.  Prizes are awarded on three levels. Children who are 12 years old can choose to participate in either the children’s or the teens’ program. Participants sign up any time between June 22 and July 31. Special programs and events offer fun and education on the theme of  Be Creative @ Your Library and a separate program for teens, Express Yourself @ Your Library. Teens ages 12 – 17 also may volunteer at the Libraries for the Summer Reading Program. Some programs require registration.

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