VAN WYCK BRANCH LIBRARY CELEBRATES 90TH ANNIVERSARY WITH OPEN HOUSE, AUTHOR VISITS, AND BOOK SALE

Norfolk, VA (May 9, 2006) – During the week of May 15-20, Van Wyck Branch Library will honor its 90 anniversary. In 1916, the 3,500 square foot building cost $20,000 and opened without fanfare with 2,000 volumes as the first branch in Norfolk. Today the library is more than twice that size and offers public computers and a vide variety of media. An exhibit, local authors, a book sale, and Open House will highlight festivities.

Open House
Featuring Rowena & Ribbon Cutting
10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 16
Ninety years ago, Van Wyck Branch Library opened without much fanfare. There was no ribbon- cutting or celebration to mark the occasion. This year, the Library will host a ribbon- cutting ceremony to celebrate 90 years of service to Norfolk residents. Children’s author Rowena Fullinwider of Rowena’s will read and sign her children’s books. Join us for some wonderful creations from Rowena’s along with other refreshments.

Paul Clancy, Author of “Ironclad: The Epic Battle,
Calamitous Loss & Historic Recovery of the USS Monitor”
10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 20 Paul Clancy was on the ship with divers recovering parts of the shipwrecked ironclad in the waters off Cape Hatteras, N.C. Listen to his fascinating story of Civil War history and archeological excavation. He will be available to sign copies and to also let us know about his forthcoming book on Hampton Roads due out later this year.

Gigantic Outdoor Used Book Sale!
Bargain Prices!
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., May 20
Purchase hundreds of hardback and paperback books, children’s and adults’, used and nearly new at bargain prices! Visit us under the tents behind Van Wyck Branch Library, rain or shine. Sponsored by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library. There will be lots of give-aways during the day (buttons, bookmarks, pens).