FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Library hosts free programs in October

Book sales, author talk, festivals, Teen Read Week activities, more

Visit your Newport News libraries this October for an array of free activities.

Sign up for new Library newsletter

Everyone can keep up to date on all of the programs and new services offered by the Newport News Public Library System by receiving the new monthly “Books & Beyond” newsletter by email. Sign up online at http://www.nngov.com/library/custom/newsltr. The newsletter is free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Friends of the Newport News Public Library Book Sales

Get great deals on gently used books and videos while supporting the Library when you shop Friends of the Newport News Public Library’s Book Sales. Upcoming Book Sales are 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Fridays, Oct. 2, 16, 30 and Nov. 6 and 20, at West Avenue Library. Thousands of selections in fiction, non-fiction and textbooks are available, including collectibles and out-of-print books, with more books arriving weekly. Prices for the Book Sales are $1 for hardbacks, CDs and DVDs; 50 cents for paperbacks, VHS tapes and audiobooks on cassette; and 25 cents for children’s books. Bargain Corner Books are 10 to 15 cents. Collectibles and current best sellers are individually priced. Email friendsnewsportnews@yahoo.com for more information or to make special requests.

Book Sale at Fall Festival of Folklife

The Newport News Public Library System and Friends of the Newport News Public Library will sell books, DVDs, CDs and more, as well as distribute Library information, at their booth during the Fall Festival of Folklife, Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4, at Newport News Park. Get great deals while supporting the Library, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of the festival.

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, Oct. 3, at Grissom Library. Parents are required to fill out a permission slip and may accompany their children, as well. No registration is required.

PB Jobseekers Club

A new job club for adults, PB Jobseekers Club offers members 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. Weekly meetings are 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Mondays, Oct. 5,12,19, and 26, in the meeting room at Pearl Bailey Library. Registration is required and is ongoing by visiting Pearl Bailey Library or calling 757-247-8677.

Yu Gi Oh Card Club

Yu Gi Oh card players aged 8-18 can play Yu Gi Oh, learn to play, or  trade Yu Gi Oh  cards with other club members, 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Pearl Bailey Library. New members are welcome. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

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 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, Oct. 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.

Virginia Workforce Connection Orientation

Learn how to register for and use the Virginia Employment Commission’s career website, 10 a.m.-noon, Mondays, Oct. 12, 26, and 2-4 p.m., Thursdays, Oct. 8, 22. Classes are held in the Business Information Center at Main Street Library. This powerful online job-seeker system provides fast access to a complete set of employment tools including job-searching, resume/cover letter builder, career exploration, training/education programs and unemployment services. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

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., Thursday, Oct. 8, 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. Classes will be held the second Thursday of each month. Registration is required and begins Sept. 1 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Fall Festival for Families

The whole family can celebrate the arrival of fall by listening to stories and making crafts, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, at Grissom Library. Registration is required and begins Sept. 24 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

Adult Movie: “Night of the Living Dead”

Adults can enjoy a horror-filled evening watching the 1968 classic, “Night of the Living Dead,” 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Grissom Library. No registration required.

Kids Book Club

Children ages 7-11 can join Pearl Bailey Library's New Book Club for Kids to read and discuss favorite books and do fun, book-related activities, 5-6:15 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15 at Pearl Bailey Library. The Book Club will meet once a month. Registration is required and begins Oct. 1 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

David Baldacci Author Talk and Book-Signing

David Baldacci, the No. 1 New York Times bestselling novelist, will speak at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Thomas Nelson Community College. Presented by the Virginia Peninsula Literary Consortium, his appearance is free to the public, but tickets are required. Open seating at the event, to be held in the Dr. Mary T. Christian Auditorium in Templin Hall, is limited, and attendees are advised to arrive early. Ticket holders will be seated first. Any remaining seats will then be open to the general public. Visit http://library.cnu.edu/vplc.html  or call 757-926-1357 for more information.

How to Start a Nonprofit Organization

Participants can learn the purpose, role and structure of a nonprofit organization, 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17 at Main Street Library.  Teaching the workshop is Dr. Rosanne Walters, director of the Newport News Office on Children, Youth and Families and instructor of Management of Nonprofit Organizations for Old Dominion University. Participants will learn how to start a nonprofit organization and the basic principles for operation and governance of a nonprofit. Registration is required and begins Sept. 21 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.

Teen Read Week 2009

The Newport News Public Library System celebrates Teen Read Week Oct. 18-24 with the following special programs:

·         “Deserted Island” Book Vote

At Main Street Library during the month of October, teens ages 12-17 can select the one book they would want to have with them if they were stranded on a deserted island. The selected books then will be displayed at Main Street Library and available for checkout.

·         Project Runway for Teens

Teens ages 12 to 18 can compete in teams of two each for the title of fashionista and a gift card, 5-7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19, at Pearl Bailey Library. Teens create original outfits from plastic trash bags and duct tape. Registration is required and begins Sept. 21 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

·         “Monster Mash” Teen Trivia Contest 

Teens ages 12 to 17 can answer trivia questions for a chance to win a free book, Monday, Oct. 19, through Saturday, Oct. 31, at Grissom Library. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.

·         Teen Wii Guitar Hero Challenge

Teens ages 12-18 can compete in the Wii Game System’s Guitar Hero, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Pearl Bailey Library. Prizes will be awarded to the overall champion. Please call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

·         Teen Movie: Twilight

Teens ages 12-17 can enjoy the movie Twilight, based on the enormously popular book by the author Stephanie Meyer, 3-6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, at Main Street Library. The movie will be shown on the huge projection screen, and teens can enjoy free movie-theatre popcorn, other goodies, games and door prizes. No registration required.

·         How Fast RU @ Texting? Teens ages 12-18 can compete in a challenge to win a $25 gift certificate, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, at Pearl Bailey Library. The first participant in each of the three rounds to send a text message to the judge's cell phone wins. Registration is required and begins Sept. 21 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Learning on Laptops: Guide to OPAC

Youth ages 8-18 can learn basic skills for using Newport News Public Library System’s Online Public Access Catalog, 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, 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 begins Sept. 30 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

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, Oct. 20, 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.

“Up For Discussion …” Book Club

The Adult Book Club will meet 7-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Main Street Library. Please call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 for information on the book to be discussed and to register.

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., Wednesday, Oct. 27, at Pearl Bailey Library. Teen Advisory Committee members and chess team members Chris Smith and Trent Sims will teach beginners how to play chess. Registration is required and begins Sept. 1 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

Teen Urban Lit Book Club

Teens ages 12 to 18 can meet the fourth Wednesday of each month, Sept. 23-Dec. 23, 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, Oct. 28, at Pearl Bailey Library. Registration is required and begins Oct. 1 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.

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 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 Oct. 1 for November 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.

Fall Storytimes

The first session of Fall Storytimes runs Sept. 14-Oct. 23, and registration begins Sept. 1. The second session runs Nov. 9-Dec.18, and registration begins Oct. 26.

Grissom Library

·         Babygarten for ages birth to 2½ (with parent or caregiver)

Mondays at 10 a.m., Sept. 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19

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

Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Sept. 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21

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

Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Sept. 15, 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20

·         Family Storytime for all ages

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 15, 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20

Pearl Bailey Library

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

Mondays at 10 a.m.

·         Family Storytimes: Sept.  26, 10:30 a.m.; Oct.10,1 p.m.; Oct. 24,10:30 a.m.; Nov. 7,1  p.m.; Nov. 21,10:30 a.m.; Dec. 5, 1 p.m.; Dec. 19,10:30 a.m.

Main Street Library

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

second and fourth Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Sept. 10, 24; Oct. 8, 22; Nov. 12, 19 (change due to Thanksgiving); Dec. 10, 17 (change due to Christmas)

·         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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