Library closings
The Newport News Public Library System will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans’ Day. The Library System also will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28, for Thanksgiving.
Music and More Storytime
Children ages 2-5, with their families, can enjoy a story, songs and lots of movement, 11-11:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, at Grissom Library. No registration is required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.
Paws to Read
Children ages 6 to 11 build their confidence by reading out loud to trained therapy dogs, 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Grissom Library. 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.
Science Fun! Full STEAM Ahead
Students in grades 1-5 can explore the world of science with fun and creative hands-on experiments, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3, at Grissom Library. No registration is required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.
Science Fun! Full STEAM Ahead: Homeschool Edition
Homeschooled students in grades 1-5 can explore the world of science with fun and creative hands-on experiments, 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Grissom Library. No registration is required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.
After School Tutoring in Math and Science with Hampton University Tutors
Hampton University pharmaceutical students will provide homework assistance to students ages 6-18 in math and science on a walk-in basis, 4-6 p.m., on Tuesdays, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library. Upcoming sessions are Nov. 4, 11, 18; and Dec. 2 and 9. No registration required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.
Workforce Series
Teens and adults ages 14 and older can network with others while obtaining some needed skills for entering the workforce, 2-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Pearl Bailey Library; and 2-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at South Morrison Public Library. This workshop is geared toward providing assistance with online job search, creating an email account, designing a resume, or completing an online application. Registration is required and ongoing online or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 or South Morrison Library at 757-369-6810.
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, Nov. 8, at Grissom Library. Creations may be displayed in the children’s area. Registration is required and begins Oct. 25 online at http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=8988&EventID=218850 or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.
Jonathan Austin, Magician and Juggler
Families and children of all ages can enjoy a performance of magic, juggling and unicycle-riding with audience participation and humor by Jonathan Austin, 1-2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at Main Street Library. No registration is required. Call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 for more information.
Growing Readers Storytime
Students in first and second grade can attend a special storytime that includes literacy activities to reinforce their beginning reader skills, 4:30-5:30 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 10, at Grissom Library. No registration is required. Call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190 for more information.
It’s Your Move: Chess Masters Club
Youth ages 6-18 can play and learn to play chess at Pearl Bailey Library on designated Mondays each month. The next meeting is 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 10. Library volunteer Lonnie Dixon will teach youth how to play chess and sharpen their skills and strategies. All equipment is provided. No registration required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.
Teen Advisory Committee at Pearl Bailey Library
Teens ages 12-18 can meet monthly to conduct their business meeting and to help advise library staff on ways to improve library programs and services. Committee hours count as community service hours. The next meeting is 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Pearl Bailey Library. A Teen Advisory Committee application is required to join, and visitors are welcome. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.
Anime and Manga Club at Pearl Bailey Library
Teens ages 12-17 can enjoy Anime screenings and Manga discussions on select Saturdays at Pearl Bailey Library. The next meeting is 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15. No registration is required. Call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677 for more information.
Gingerbread Fun
Children ages 4-9 can listen to gingerbread stories, decorate a gingerbread notebook and sample ginger cookies and apple juice, 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Grissom Library Registration is required beginning Nov. 4 online at http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=8988&EventID=218849&PK= or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.
A Little Bit Crafty Thanksgiving
kids ages 4-8 can create a Thanksgiving craft to take home, 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Main Street Library. No registration is required. Call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 for more information.
FKO (For Kids Only) Advisory Committee
Children ages 6-11 meet the third Wednesday of the month, excluding holidays, at Pearl Bailey Library to help library staff plan programs, select materials and conduct meetings. The next meeting is 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19. No registration required. For more information, call Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.
Teen Advisory Committee at South Morrison Library
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to give input on library programs and items for the library collection as well as volunteer for projects, 4-5 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, excluding holidays, at South Morrison Public Library. The next meeting is Thursday, Nov. 20. Visitors are welcome. Registration is required online at http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=8988&EventID=179468 or by calling the South Morrison Public Library at 757-369-6810.
Tweens Make-it,Take-it Holiday Treats
Tweens ages 9 - 11 can be a little crafty as they make edible holiday-themed treats, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, at Main Street Library. No registration is required. Call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858 for more information
Big Brothers Big Sisters Male Mentoring Program with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Big Brothers Big Sisters and Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with Pearl Bailey Library, will host a Male Mentoring Program for boys and young men ages 9-18. The next sessions are 4:30-6 p.m., Thursdays, Nov. 20 and Dec 18. The program empowers youth to aspire toward higher education through self-creation, avoidance of risk- taking behaviors, and participation in positive, esteem-building activities. All participants must register and complete a Big Brothers Big Sister application form. Registration is required and ongoing online at http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=8988&EventID=142892 or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.
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 Teen Advisory Committee at Grissom Library. The committee will meet 7-8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, at Grissom Library. Registration is required and is ongoing online at http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=8988&EventID=198538 or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.
Teen Advisory Committee at Main Street Library
Teens ages 12-18 can make a positive contribution to our community and give input on how the library can serve teens, 4 - 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 24, at Main Street Library. Interested teens should pick up an application at the library. For more information, please call Main Street Library at 757-591-4858.
Teen Urban Lit Book Club
Teens, ages 12-18, will meet to read and discuss a book on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Pearl Bailey Library. "Mockingjay," sequel to the book "The Hunger Games,” will be discussed through Dec. 23. The next meeting is 4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 26. New members are always welcome. Registration is requested online or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.
Can Your Fines
Newport News library patrons can make donations of food and personal items over the holiday season instead of paying fines for overdue materials. The Can Your Fines program allows a nonperishable, nonexpired food item or personal item to take the place of a fine for overdue materials from Saturday, Nov. 29, to Tuesday, Dec. 30, at all Newport News Public Libraries. All items collected will be donated to the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula. Can Your Fines applies to outstanding fines for long-overdue items that are returned, but does not apply to lost or damaged materials or to fees charged once an account had been sent to the collection agency.
Festival of Trees Decorating Contest
City departments, agencies, sororities/fraternities, businesses, and individuals can enter a holiday tree decorating contest at the South Morrison Family Education Center, sponsored by the South Morrison Public Library. Participants purchase and decorate a holiday tree to be on display for public voting Dec. 2-12 in the lobby of South Morrison Family Education Center. Participants may donate their decorated trees for a prize drawing on Saturday, Dec. 13, during the second annual SoMo Winter Holiday Extravaganza.
Applications are required. Call South Morrison Public Library at 757-369-6810 for more information.
All Tied Up Knit and Stitch Group
Young adults, adults and seniors are welcome to join the All Tied Up Group, which meets every Tuesday, excluding holidays, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 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 http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=8988&EventID=178862 or by calling Pearl Bailey Library at 757-247-8677.
Computer classes
Free adult computer classes are offered at Grissom, Main Street, Pearl Bailey and South Morrison Libraries on an ongoing basis. Classes offered in November include Computer Basics, Publisher, Word and Gimp. Registration is ongoing at http://nnpls.libguides.com/events or by calling the respective library.
Storytimes
Storytime programs offer children and their caregivers fun and interactive ways to build early literacy skills through stories, poetry, rhymes and songs. Storytime programs run Nov. 10-Dec. 18. Registration is ongoing at http://nnpls.libguides.com/events or by calling the respective library. Groups are welcome for preschool storytimes and should call the respective library to make arrangements.
Wee Ones – for infants through 2.5 years (with parent or caregiver)
Grissom Library, Mondays at 10 a.m. for ages 0 to 2 years
Main Street Library, second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 10 a.m. for ages 0 to 2.5 years
South Morrison Library, Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for ages 0- 2.5 years
For toddlers (with parent or caregiver)
Grissom Library - Just 2’s Storytime, Tuesdays at 10 a.m. for 2 year olds
Main Street Library - Tiny Tots Storytime, Tuesdays at 10 a.m. for ages 2.5 to 3.5
Preschool Storytime
Grissom Library, Tuesdays at 11 a.m. for ages 3 to 5
Pearl Bailey Library, Mondays at 10 a.m. for ages 3 to 5
Main Street Library, Tuesdays at 11 a.m. for ages 3.5 to 5
South Morrison Library, Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m. for ages 3-5