FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free programs in May

Dance tournament, play, movie, more in May at Newport News Libraries

The Library System presents free and open-to-the-public programs for May 2011.

Unity Players Ben Jenkins and Erica Chigos-White rehearse for their roles in the play “Love Letters,” to be presented free 6-8 p.m., Monday, May 16, at Main Street Library.

Library Closing
The Newport News Public Library System will be closed Wednesday, May 18, for the annual Staff In-Service Day. It also will be closed Sunday, May 29, and Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day Weekend.

Games On! Board, Card and Video Games Galore For Youth
All board game and video game players ages 6-18 can play the new card games Monopoly, Slam and Pictureka with other players, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, May 3, at Pearl Bailey Library. Don't miss this chance to meet other players the first Tuesday of each month. New members are always welcome. No registration required.

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, May 7, at Grissom Library in Newport News. 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.

Learning on Laptops for Youth: Online Databases
Youth ages 8-11 will learn basic skills using free online research databases such as Find it Virginia, Mango Languages and more, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 10, 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.
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, May 11. A Teen Advisory Committee application is required to join, and visitors are welcome. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Learning on Laptops: Drop In and Learn Computer Skills
Students ages 8-17 can “drop in and learn” basic computing skills, 3-5 p.m., Thursdays, May 12 and May 26, at Main Street Library in Newport News. Using the Library’s laptop computers, students can choose from a list of skills that they can learn in a 15-30 minute lesson, one on one, with a knowledgeable youth services staff person. Students can choose from skills such as how to cut, copy and paste; how to safely save documents; how to format documents in Microsoft Word; or Internet searching tips and tricks. Students need a Library card in good standing if the lesson includes Internet searching tips and tricks. After the lesson, students may take a bookmark that reinforces the skills. Drop in and Learn Computer Skills will be held the second and fourth Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, and no registration is required. Call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 for more information.

Teen Dance Dance Revolution Tournament
Teens ages 12-18 can join in a Dance Dance Revolution competition, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 12, at Grissom Library. One winner will be named ultimate DDR Gamer and will be awarded a prize. Registration is required and begins April 28 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Anime and Manga Club
Teens ages 12-18 can enjoy Anime screenings and Manga discussions in this new club at Pearl Bailey Library. The new club will meet 4:30-5:30 p.m., Friday, May 13, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration is required. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

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, 2-3 p.m., Saturday, May 14, at Grissom Library. Creations may be displayed in the children's area. Registration is required and begins April 23 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Unity Players Present “Love Letters”
Unity Players will perform the play “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney and directed by Eileen Engel, 6-8 p.m., Monday, May 16, at Main Street Library. Produced by special arrangement with Dramatist's Play Services, Inc. Free and open to the public. Call Main Street Library at 591-4858 for more information.

Tuesday Afterschool Make and Take Craft
Children ages 5-11 can make a craft to take home, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, 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.

Teen Advisory Committee at Main Street Library
Teens ages 12-17 can join the Teen Advisory Committee to make a difference at Main Street Library. Committee members provide valuable input in developing teen programs and policies and recommend library book purchases. Any time spent on the committee counts as community service hours. Meetings are 4-5 p.m., the fourth Monday of each month, excluding holidays, September through May. The next meeting is Monday, May 23. No registration required. For more information, call the Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 ext. 6.

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 4-5 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at Grissom Library. The next meeting is Thursday, May 26. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Movie Night at Main Street Library: “The Pursuit of Happyness”
Adults can enjoy a free showing of the film “The Pursuit of Happyness” 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 26, at Main Street Library. Starring Will Smith and his son, Jaden, the 2006 film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner’s struggle with homelessness. It is rated PG-13. No registration required. For more information, please call 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 Thursday, excluding holidays, at Grissom Library. Anyone who enjoys knitting, crocheting, or any craft is welcome, and no registration is required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

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 May 1 for June classes. Search for classes and register at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling the respective library.

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