Newport News Public Library System                        September 2009
illustration of abstract globe
The Newport News Public Library System will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, for Labor Day. 
In This Issue
Find us on Facebook
Teen winners announced
Help kids in school
New slogan, logo coming
Teen programs
Kids programs
Adult programs
Business classes
Quick Links
 
 
 
Library System now on Facebook!
Would you like to get more frequent updates from the Library System? If so, become a fan of the Newport News Public Library System on Facebook. On our Facebook page, you also can comment and ask questions of Library staff and get answers. It's easy and free! Check it out!
Teen winners announced 
Drawing by teen winner
 Two teens recently were named winners in Grissom Library's "Your Space!" art contest, part of the Summer Reading Program. Winner for drawing is RJ McLucas, age 16, who created the drawing pictured here. Winner for writing is Johnathan Scott, age 15, who wrote the poem, "Valley Low to Mountain Top." Congratulations to our creative teens!
Learn a language free online 
Mango Languages logo
The Library System's FREE online database Mango Languages provides various levels of lessons on 12 languages, including English for non-native speakers. It is easy to use and teaches actual conversation skills.
All you need is your Newport News Public Library Card. Go to the Library's databases
 and click on Mango Languages to get started.
Libraries Change Lives. Share Your Story!
Library users share how our Libraries help them: 
 
"I love the library. There are so many books I have read that I never could have purchased! Moreover, the library's ability to buy current books keeps me coming back!!" -- Angelica Vance
 
Thanks to those who have shared their stories. Email your story or fill out a card in the library. Name and contact information are optional.
Library patrons, supporters promote reading 
Read poster
Read posters created by the Library System will be on display throughout September at Main Street Library. They feature "celebrities," such as
 Newport News Police Lieutenant Morgen S. Tietjens.
Join Our Mailing List
Greetings!

Thanks for subscribing to the Newport News Public Library System's new "Books & Beyond" newsletter! Check your email on the first day of each month to find out about all of new programs and services available that month.
We hope you enjoy exploring all of the free opportunities that your Library has to offer! And, please let us know if you have any comments, suggestions or questions about the new "Books & Beyond."
Libraries help with back-to-school
Library Card Sign-Up Month: Studies show that children who Sign-Up Month posterare read to in the home and who use the Library perform better in school. Make sure that your children are ready for school with the smartest card of all -- a Library card. Any Virginia resident of any age may apply for a Newport News Public Library System membership card by completing an application and presenting proper identification at the Library.   
Laptops for homework: Learning on Laptops (LOL) allows children and teens ages 8 to 17 to check out laptop computers to do their homework at Grissom, Main Street and Pearl Bailey Libraries. The laptop computers are available for use 3-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3-5 p.m. on Friday, and 1-5 p.m. on Saturday. In order to use the laptops, students need a permission form signed by a parent, proper identification and a Library card in good standing.
One School, One Book + One Library: Grissom Library is partnering with Sanford Elementary School on its Read to Them: One School, One Book program. The Library is offering programming to supplement the school's program to encourage everyone to read "The Trumpet of the Swan."
Survey results released; New slogan, logo on the way
What do Newport News residents think of their public Libraries? Proposed new Library logoThat's what the Library System set out to determine with a written survey in fall 2008. The results of this survey are now available online. The survey, titled "Are you overdue?", was completed by 717 respondents online, in the Libraries and at locations and Proposed new Library logoevents throughout Newport News. 
Survey results are being used to help the Libraries better serve the residents, including developing a new slogan and logo for the Libraries. Take a look at the proposed new slogans and logos, and let us know what you think!
Upcoming Programs @ Your Library
Teens can play Wii, Yu Gi Oh and more
Sept. 1, Yu Gi Oh Card Club: 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, Sept. 1, at Pearl Bailey Library. New members are welcome. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.

Sept. 15, Learning on Laptops: Guide to Databases:
Children and teens ages 8-18 can learn about the Library System's databases, 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Pearl Bailey Library. The databases provide a wealth of information, including newspapers and journal articles, health information, and much more.  All participants must present a library card and have a laptop registration form signed by a parent/guardian on file.
Register now.
 
Teens play WiiSept. 17, Teen Wii Night: Teens ages 12 to 17 can hang out with friends and compete in Wii games, 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, at Grissom Library. Registration is required and begins Sept. 3 online or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.
 
Sept. 23, 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. At the next meeting, teens will continue to discuss "Lost and Found," from the Bluford Series, 4:30-6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Pearl Bailey Library. No registration required. Find the book in our catalog.
Fall storytimes, new book club, and more for kids
Sept. 5, 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, Sept. 5, at Grissom Library. Parents are required to fill out a permission slip and may accompany their children, as well. No registration is required.
 
Sept. 14-Oct. 23, 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. Search and register for storytimes.
 
Sept. 17, 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. The Book Club will meet once a month beginning 5-6:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, at Pearl Bailey Library. Registration is required and begins Sept. 1 online or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.
Free computer classes, more offered for adults
October Computer classes: Registration begins Sept. 1 Hand on mousefor October classes online or by calling the respective library. Classes are for those with little or no computer experience and cover various topics, including computer and Internet basics, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, resume writing and more. Search for classes and register now.
 
Sept. 23, Grant-Writing Workshop: Participants can learn the basics of grant-writing, including search strategies and practice exercises, 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Grissom Library. Workshops will be conducted by Dr. Jean Filetti, associate professor and writing instructor at Christopher Newport University. Registration is required, and begins Sept. 7 online or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.
 
Mondays, 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, Sept. 14, 21 and 28 in the meeting room at Pearl Bailey Library. Registration is required and is ongoing by visiting Pearl Bailey Library or calling 757-247-8677.

Bookmobile schedule: The Library System's Bookmobile makes scheduled stops Mondays through Thursdays, except for holidays. Check out the schedule online or call 757-591-4858 for information. The Bookmobile is wheelchair accessible.

First and third Thursdays, 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. No registration is required.
Job-seeking, business help at Main Street Library
Mondays, Thursdays, Virginia Workforce Connection Orientation: Learn how to register for and use the Virginia Employment Commission's career website, 10 a.m.-noon, Mondays, Sept. 14, 28, and 2-4 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 10, 24. 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. Register now
 
Sept. 10, Introduction to the Business Decision database:Business Decision logo
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, Sept. 10. Register now.
 
Sept. 12, Small Business 101: Dr. Stephanie Bardwell, business professor at Christopher Newport University, will present information on all the functional areas of creating your own business.  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, Sept. 12, at Main Street Library. Register now.

 Sept. 15, 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, Sept. 15, in the Business Information Center at Main Street Library. Register now.
Free David Baldacci tickets available Sept. 15
David BaldacciDavid Baldacci, the No. 1 New York Times bestselling novelist, will speak at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Thomas Nelson Community College.
Free tickets for the author talk, question-and-answer session and book signing are available beginning Sept. 15 at Newport News Libraries, as well as the other sponsoring libraries of the Virginia Peninsula Literary Consortium. Tickets will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to two per person while supplies last.
Library Friends news
Shop at the Friends Bookstore
Shop at the Friends of the Newport News Public Library Bookstore to save money, reuse, and benefit your Library! Located inside Main Street Library, the Bookstore is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday  2 - 4 p.m. Items for sale include gently used books, DVDs, bestsellers and more for as little as 25 cents!
Thank you for subscribing to "Books & Beyond," the newsletter of the Newport News Public Library System. The Newport News Public Library System consists of four public libraries, a public law library and a bookmobile. Programs presented by the Library System are free and open to the public. For more information on Newport News Public Library System programs, please call 757-247-8875 or visit www.nngov.com/library.
 
Administration Offices: 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 300
NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia 23606
757-926-1350