FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seussabration, financial management, workshops, more in March

Organizing paperwork, beginning readers, teen tech, Dr. Seuss, more in March

The Newport News Public Library System offers free programs for children, teens, and adults in March.

It’s All in the Fold: Advanced Origami Club

Youth ages 8-18 who are tired of making the same old cups and swans can join this club to go beyond basic origami to create more advanced animals and boxes. The Club meets 4-5:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is Thursday, March 1. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling
Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Learning on Laptops: Homework Help

Teens ages 12-18 may drop in and get help with computer-related homework and learn basic computer skills, 6-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at Grissom Library. The first session is Thursday, March 1. No registration required. Please call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War

Dr. Phillip Hamilton, associate professor of history at Christopher Newport University, will lead a series of book discussions for adults on the Civil War to commemorate the war’s 150th anniversary. Book discussions will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 1 and March 8. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss: A Seussabration!

Children ages 4-7 can celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a special storytime, games, cupcakes, and more, 10-11 a.m., Friday, March 2, at Main Street Library. Also, Kenya the Klown will create zany and fantastical balloon hats for kids. For ages 4-7. Registration is required and begins Feb. 17 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 Booksale

Members of the Friends of the Newport News Public Library can shop for great deals at the Friends-Only Booksale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, March 3, at West Avenue Library. Hardcover books are half-price (excludes children’s books), VHS tapes are 10 for $1, and special collections include a large collection of German language fiction. Those who are not members of the Friends group may join or renew their memberships at the door. For more information, please email FriendsNewportNews@yahoo.com or visit http://friendsofthenewportnewspubliclibrary.camp7.org/

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, March 3, 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, excluding holidays. No registration is required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

Decluttering and Organizing Paperwork

Professional organizer Mary Frances Ballard will explain strategies for managing and organizing paperwork, retention guidelines for saving and storing papers, controlling incoming paper and maintaining paper flow for adults, 6:30-8 p.m., Monday, March 5, at Virgil I. Grissom Library. No registration required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

GAMES ON! Board, Card and Video Games Galore For Youth

Youth ages 6-18 can play the new card games Monopoly, Slam and Pictureka and more with other players, 4:30-6:30 p.m., the first Tuesday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next session is Tuesday, March 6. New members are always welcome, and no registration is required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

It’s Your Move: Chess Masters Club

Youth ages 6-18 can play chess, 5-6 p.m., on Wednesday, March 7, at Pearl Bailey Library. Library volunteer Lonnie Dixon also will teach youth how to play chess. No registration required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Teen Tech Week: Geek Out Wii Tournament

Teens ages 12-18 can compete in a Wii Tournament for a chance to win a prize, 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, March 8, at Grissom Library. Teen also can "geek out" and explore safe, teen-friendly websites for sharing creative content. Registration is required beginning Feb. 23 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Author Book-signing

Barbara Dudley, a local, self-published author of "Blessed Everyday" and other titles, will sell her books, sign them and answer patron questions, 2-3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 10, at Grissom Library. No registration required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

Break-Out Sessions for Jobseekers

Teens and adults can get assistance with creating an email account, designing a resume or completion of an online application on the second Monday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next session is 3-5 p.m. on Monday, March 12. No registration required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Learning on Laptops (LOL) for Youth: Online Databases

Youth ages 8-18 will learn basic skills using free online research databases such as Find it Virginia and more, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, at Pearl Bailey Library. Any 8- to18-year-old with a library card in good standing may use a laptop. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Teen Advisory Committee at Pearl Bailey Library
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, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 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.

Financial Management Workshop

Peninsula Workforce Development Center representative Joseph Amos will teach adults the basics of money management and how to create a spending and savings plan, 1-2 p.m., Friday, March 16, at Main Street Library, and 3-4 p.m., Friday, March 16, at West Avenue Library. In addition to learning how to become a smart shopper, participants also will learn about debit and credit cards and how to protect themselves from identity theft. Registration is required and is ongoing online www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 or West Avenue Library at 757-247-8875.

The Knit Wits: Junior Knitting and Crafting Group

Youth ages 10-17 are invited to learn to knit and participate in other craft projects, 2-4 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month, excluding holidays, at Grissom Library. The next meeting is 2-4 p.m., Saturday, March 17. Registration is required online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Tuesday Afterschool Make and Take Craft

Children ages 5-11 can make a craft to take home, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, at Pearl Bailey Library. The craft program will be held the third Tuesday of each month, excluding holidays. 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 at Pearl Bailey Library
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, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 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.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Male Mentoring Program with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

Big Brothers Big Sisters and Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with Pearl Bailey Library, will host a Male Mentoring Program for boys and young men ages 9-18 the fourth Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at 4:30 p.m. The next sessions are Thursday, March 22. The program empowers youth to aspire toward higher education through self-creation, avoidance of risk- taking behaviors, and participation in positive, esteem-building activities. Registration is required and ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Teen Advisory Committee at Grissom Library
Teens ages 12-18 who want to be more involved in the Library and the services it provides to teens, who want to provide input about the Library’s teen programs and who need Community Service hours are encouraged to join the new Teen Advisory Committee at Grissom Library. The committee will meet 7-8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at Grissom Library. The next meeting is Thursday, March 22. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Anime and Manga Club

Teens ages 12-17 can enjoy Anime screenings and Manga discussions, 4-5:30 p.m., Friday, March 23, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration is required. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

Teen Urban Lit Book Club

Teens ages 12-18 can meet to discuss the urban lit book, “Hunger Games,” 4:30-5:30 p.m., the fourth Wednesday of each month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 28. New members are always welcome, and no registration is required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Couponing 101

Local couponer Perrenial Decosta will teach adults the basics of how to start couponing and save, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 31, at Grissom Library. The class will cover organizing, coupon policies, learning how to "stack" coupons, resourceful websites and more. Also the presenter will give tips on store policies and which days will yield the best results. Registration is required and begins March 16 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190..

Family Movie Matinee: “Hop”

Families are invited to see the feature film “Hop” for free, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at Grissom Library. Popcorn and sodas will be provided. Registration is required, and begins March 17 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

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, excluding holidays, 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

Free computer classes are offered at Grissom, Main Street and Pearl Bailey Libraries in Newport News on an ongoing basis covering various topics, including computer and Internet basics, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, resume writing and more. Registration begins March 1 for April classes. Search for classes and register at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling the respective library.

Spring Storytime Sessions

Registration is required and is ongoing 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., March 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, 16

· Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)

Tuesdays at 11 a.m., March 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17

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

Wednesdays at 11 a.m., March 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11, 18

Pearl Bailey Library

· Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)

Mondays at 10 a.m., March 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, 16

Main Street Library
· Tiny Tot Storytime for ages 2½ to 3½ (with parent or caregiver)
Tuesdays at 10 a.m., March 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17

· Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 (Children only)
Tuesdays at 11 a.m., March 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17

· Wee Ones Storytime for ages birth to 2½ (with parent or caregiver)
second and fourth Thursdays at 10 a.m., March 8, 22, April 12, 26

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

###