FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Library hosts free programs in May

Concert, business workshops, author appearance, more

Visit your library in May for fabulous programs like Paws to Read, resume writing, Kimberla Lawson Roby book talk and signing, Learning on Laptops, and a Lego party.

Library closings

The Newport News Public Library System will be closed Sunday, May 30, and Monday, May 31, for Memorial Day Weekend.

Paws to Read

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, May 1, at Grissom Library. Parents are required to fill out a permission slip and may accompany their children, as well. No registration is required.

Get Your Game On! Games Galore for Youth 

Youth ages 6-18 can play Yu Gi Oh, card and video games, 4:30-7 p.m., Tuesday, May 4, at Pearl Bailey Library. The gaming event will be the first Tuesday of each month, January through June. The new card games Monopoly, Slam and Pictureka are available. Bring your own deck of Yu Gi Oh cards. New members are always welcome. No registration required.

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

Michael Willits, a communications instructor, will teach adults strategies to make their resumes and cover letters stand out, 6-9 p.m., Thursday, May 6, 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 April 10 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Small Business 101

Dr. Stephanie Bardwell, business professor at Christopher Newport University, will present information on all the functional areas of creating  a business for adults. Topics to be covered will include business plans, managing and marketing your business, and legal dos and don'ts. This workshop is 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 8, at Main Street Library. Registration is required and begins April 10 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

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, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Saturday, May 8, at Grissom Library. No registration required.

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, May 11, 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. All participants must present their Library card and have a laptop registration form signed by a parent/guardian on file. 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
Teens ages 12-18 can meet to help advise Library staff on way 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, May 12. 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 with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson, 7-8 p.m., Wednesday, May 12, 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 April 15 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Introduction to the Business Decision database

Main Street Library staff will teach adults 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, May 13. Registration is required and begins April 9 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Kimberla Lawson Roby Book Talk and Book Signing
New York Times best-selling author Kimberla Lawson Roby will talk and sign books, noon-2 p.m., Saturday, May 15, at Pearl Bailey Library. Newport News Barnes & Noble Booksellers will be on site for book sales. This program is sponsored by Main Street Library, Friends of the Newport News Public Library and Pearl Bailey 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, May 18, in the Business Information Center at Main Street Library. Registration is required and begins April 21 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, such as Find It Virginia, Mango Languages and other research sources, 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday, May 18, at Pearl Bailey Library. All participants must present their Library card and have a laptop registration form signed by a parent/guardian on file. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

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. The Book Club meets once a month, and the next meeting is 3:30-4:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, at Pearl Bailey Library. Refreshments are provided. No registration is required. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

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, May 19. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677

Writing an Effective Business Plan

Dr. Stephanie Bardwell, director of the Small Business Institute at Christopher Newport University, will teach a hands-on workshop on creating the one document that every business owner must have, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 22, at Main Street Library. Covered will be all sections of a business plan from formation to financing. Registration is required and begins April 10 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, May 22, at Grissom Library. Creations may be displayed in the children's area. Registration is required and begins May 8 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

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 discuss “Monster,” by Walter Dean Myers, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, at Pearl Bailey Library. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Super Saturday Storytime

Parents and children ages 3-11 can join in the fun with lots of stories and fun crafts, 1 p.m., Saturday, May 29, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration is 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 May 1 for June 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.

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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