Books & Beyond: Library newsletter for October 2009

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."

Upcoming Programs @ Your Library

West Avenue Library to mark 80th anniversary

The Newport News Public Library System's first Library, West Avenue, was dedicated on Oct. 14, 1929. The Library System will celebrate its 80th birthday 2-4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, at West Avenue Library, and 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, at Grissom Library. The event includes a presentation on the history of the Library, a display of historical photos -- such as the one pictured here of the building's cornerstone being laid on April 11, 1929 -- and historical documents on the Library. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Newport News Public Library. Please join us as we celebrate our 80th birthday! No registration is required.

Special events for Teen Read Week and more for youth

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. Register now.
�    "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 Stephenie 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. Register now.

Oct. 6, Yu Gi Oh Card Club: Players ages 8-18 can play Yu Gi Hand with Yu-Gi-Oh cards

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.

Oct. 8, Learning on Laptops: Math Strategies: 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. All participants must present a library card and have a laptop registration form signed by a parent/guardian on file.
Register now.

Oct. 20, Learning on Laptops: Guide to OPAC: Youth ages 8-18 can learn basic skills for using the 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. Register now.

Oct. 28, 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. Teens will continue to discuss "Lost and Found," from the Bluford Series, 4:30-6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Pearl Bailey Library. Register now.

Fall storytimes, new book club, and more for kids

Oct. 3, 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. 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. The second session runs Nov. 9-Dec.18, and registration begins Oct. 26. Search and register for storytimes.

Oct. 7, For Kids Only 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 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Pearl Bailey Library. Register now.

Oct. 8, 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. Register now.

Oct. 27, 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. Register now.

Free computer classes, more offered for adults

November Computer classes: Registration begins Oct. 1 for November 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 .

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, Oct. 5, 12, 19, and 26, in the meeting room at Pearl Bailey Library. Register now.

Oct. 14, 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.

Oct. 21, "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.

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, 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. Search for classes and register now.

Oct. 8, 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. Register now.

Oct. 17, 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. Register now.

Oct. 20, 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. Register now.

David Baldacci Author Talk, Oct. 15

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.

Admission is free. Ticket holders will be seated first. If space allows, the general public will then be seated just before the beginning of the program. Presented by the Virginia Peninsula Literary Consortium.

Friends of the Newport News Library news

Shop at the Friends Book Sales

Oct. 3-4, 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.

Other Book Sales: Upcoming Book Sales of the Friends of the Newport News Public Library 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 for more information or to make special requests.

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