The Newark Public Library will hold a special TheatreWorksUSA dual presentation of a “Native American Celebration” at the main library and at the Van Buren branch library on July 27. The main library program begins at 11am in Centennial Hall; the Van Buren branch library (140 Van Buren Street) program begins at 2pm. The celebration, which is ideal for the entire family, is funded by the Prudential Foundation. The programs are free and open to the public.

Wearing traditional tribal costumes, storytellers Joe Cross and Donna Couteau will use story, song and dance to celebrate the special relationship the Native American people have always had with the Earth and their respect for the natural environment. Joe Cross and Donna Couteau are tribally enrolled members of the Caddo/Potawatomi tribe and the Sac & Fox nation respectively.

For more information about this Native American celebration, please call Mary Teasley at 733-7735, or the Van Buren Branch at 733-7750.

The library is also holding an encore presentation of its inspirational “Lessons on Becoming a Doctor” program, which details real-life stories on how to achieve and succeed. The “Newark trio” of Dr. Sampson Davis, Dr. Rameck Hunt, and Dr. George Jenkins will present the program on July 19 in Centennial Hall of the main library, 5 Washington Street, beginning 6pm.

Dr. George Jenkins is in dentistry at UMDNJ-University Hospital, Dr. Sampson Davis is in emergency medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, and Dr. Rameck Hunt is in internal medicine at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. The three doctors have received numerous awards and accolades: The Congressional Recognition Award by Congressman Donald Payne, the County of Essex Chosen Freeholders Award, the Newark Municipal Council Resolution Award, the Congressional Record Award by 100 Black Men, and the Essence 200 Award.

The Carnegie Corporation of New York funded this program, which is free and open to the public. For more information about the “Lessons on Becoming a Doctor” program, patrons may call Mrs. Mabel Spradley-Williams at 733-7735.