Newark Public Library celebrates "National Library Week," highlighted by the popular "Create-Your-Own-Book" contest
Press Release March 16, 2006
Media only contact: J. Dennis Papp
(973) 733-7798; dpapp@npl.org

The Newark Public Library, 5 Washington Street, is celebrating "National Library Week" (April 2-8, 2006) with a host of free programs that will be held system wide. This year's theme is Change Your World @ Your Library. Highlighting the celebration is the popular "Create-Your-Own-Book" contest, in which children in grades PreK to 12 are invited to participate. For more information on any event call the number listed with the program description, or visit the library’s home page at www.npl.org for adult programs and www.npl.org/Pages/KidsPlace/calendar.html for children’s programs.

"The ever-popular 'Create-Your-Own-Book' contest is an event youngsters anticipate each year," notes Michele Cappetta, Youth Services Coordinator. "Parents have an important role in supporting a child's desire to write, and this program furthers that interest."

Children participate according to grade level (PreK to 3, 4 to 8, and 9 to 12), and the book must be the child’s own creation, using the official "Create-Your-Own-Book" booklet that is available at any Children’s Room during National Library Week. Completed booklets must be submitted by April 22, 2006. For complete guidelines see a Children’s Room librarian or visit www.npl.org/Pages/KidsPlace/create.html.

Following is the listing of National Library Week programs.

Branch Brook Branch, 235 Clifton Avenue, 973-733-6388

• On April 5, from 3:00pm to 7:30pm, the branch will hold a Health Fair. Health books will be on display, healthful snacks will be provided, and a listing of health-related web sites will be available. Representatives of Clara Maas will provide free blood pressure screenings.
• On Thursday, April 6, from 11:00am to 4:30pm, the Children’s Room will hold an "Open House," featuring library tours, refreshments and giveaways.

Clinton Branch, 739 Bergen Street, 973-733-7754

• Wednesday, April 5 at 3:30pm, all ages are welcome to this branch program, "April Shower Umbrellas," in which participants can make beautiful spring umbrellas. All materials are provided.
• Friday, April 7, at 3:30pm, all ages are welcome to "Spring Bookmarks," in which participants can make floral bookmarks that celebrate a favorite book. All materials are provided.

Main Library Children’s Room, 5 Washington Street, 973-733-7797

• Tuesday, April 4 & Wednesday, April 5, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm: "Create-Your-Own-Book Kickoff Party." Come in and receive the official entry booklet to create your own story. Entries are due back by April 22. Light refreshments will be served.
• Thursday, April 6, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm: "Poetry for Prizes." Share your favorite poetry with the library staff. Read from your favorite poet or write your own. Check out the poetry section in the library. All participants will receive a prize.
• Thursday April 6, 4:00pm to 5:00pm: "Change the World and Your Grades - Club Success Meet the Teacher Night." Come to the library and meet the reason why so many children have increased their grades this past year! Meet and greet the teacher and learn more about our homework-assistance program. This informal hour is for teachers, parents, and kids to learn more about this exciting program. Light refreshments will be served.
• Saturday, April 8, 9:30am to 10:15am: "Saturday Morning Story Time." Change how you see the world by experiencing some fabulous stories. Do you have a book you would like to share with the group? Find your story in the library or bring in your favorite book from home. Come in and share your story with the group. The librarian has a few of her favorites too!

North End Branch, 722 Summer Avenue, 973-733-7766

• On Wednesday, April 5 the branch will hold an "Easter Arts & Crafts" program that begins at 3:30pm.

Roseville Branch, 99 Fifth Street, 973-733-7770

• The branch will hold an Open House on Wednesday, April 5 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Neighborhood residents are invited to visit the branch, sign up for a library card, learn how to use the library's databases to find magazine articles, meet the Club Success Homework Club teacher, and more. Popular storyteller Julie Pasqual will present an entertaining program that is suitable for the entire family at 4:00pm.

Vailsburg Branch, 75 Alexander Street, 973-733-7755

• On Saturday, April 8 the branch presents "The Secret Easter Eggs" from 10:30am to noon. Children of all ages are welcome to come to play musical chairs to learn about the true meaning of Easter through the Easter eggs.
• On Friday, April 7, from 3:30 to 4:30pm, children in grades 3 to 8 are welcome to create poetry booklets by writing poems on their favorite topics and decorating their booklets.
• Attention: Children of Newark! The Vailsburg Library needs your opinion! On Monday, April 3 to Saturday, April 8, anytime during library hours, you can be a book critic for the Vailsburg Library. Read our children's books and tell us what you think! Let your voice be heard! Help us make the children's book collection the best it can be! Those who review a book or books can enter their names in a drawing to win a free book of your choice.

Van Buren Branch, 140 Van Buren Street, 973-733-7750

• On Wednesday, April 5, beginning 6:00pm, patrons are invited to read works of favorite poets or their own poems and celebrate National Poetry Month.

Weequahic Branch, 355 Osborne Terrace, 973-733-7751

• On Wednesday, April 5, at 3:30pm, patrons are invited to "Book Time for Reading," at which they will meet Pamm Malveaux, author of Peanut Butter and Bologna Sandwiches, as she reads from her book. The program is suitable for all ages; refreshments will be served.