Newport Beach Public Library

08/24/2026

Announcing Creative Pages @ Witte Hall!

Join us on Saturday, September 12 from 2-3:00 pm for acclaimed children’s author, illustrator, and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alan Barillaro (The Incredibles, WALL-E, Brave, Piper) for a celebration of storytelling and creativity. Ages 8-11. Registration is recommended; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Creative Pages is our new children’s literary series, bringing young readers together with the acclaimed authors, illustrators, and creators behind the books they love. Funding for this program is generously provided by the Library Foundation of Newport Beach. Witte Hall is located at 998 Avocado Avenue, adjacent to the Central Library.

08/19/2026

You did it! We did it! Crushed it! Our million-minute summer! Go us!

08/19/2026

Learn to tell a great story in our 3-part Storytellers Writing Workshop Series. Best-selling author Chris Epting will help you learn how to draw out, organize and document your life’s stories. This 3-part free adult workshop series will provide guidance in developing stories in first-person narrative. Session dates: September 16, 23, 30, 10 am to noon. Registration is required and now open at www.newportbeachlibrary.org/calendar/writing-programs. Space is limited.

08/13/2026

Join us this Saturday, August 15 from noon to 5:00 pm for the 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition! Mingle with artists, participate in children’s art activities, enjoy live music, good food and fun. Free admission and parking. Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach.

08/07/2026

The City of Newport Beach is launching its first-ever Art Week, kicking off on August 9 with the Pacific Symphony and concluding on August 15 with the Art Exhibition. Check out the full calendar of Art Week events on the City’s website at newportbeachca.gov or take a look at some highlights below.

Sunday, August 9, with a free Pacific Symphony concert on the Civic Center lawn. The evening starts at 5 p.m. with a pre-concert musical playground featuring interactive arts activities for children. At 6 p.m., Grammy Award-winning conductor Michael Repper will lead the Pacific Symphony in a 90-minute performance featuring classical favorites, Broadway selections and music from legendary film composer John Williams. The concert will conclude with a patriotic salute to the United States Armed Forces.

Wednesday, August 12, the OASIS Senior Center will host an exhibition by local artist Joan Gladstone. In recognition of the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66, Gladstone’s oil paintings capture the iconic landscapes, roadside attractions and nostalgic character of America’s “Mother Road.”

Thursday, August 13, the Newport Beach Library Foundation will present its Library Live Author Series at the new Witte Hall, featuring author Tim Grieving discussing his book, John Williams: A Composer’s Life. Tickets are available at LibraryFoundationNB.org.

Art Week concludes Saturday, August 15, with the Newport Beach Art Exhibition from noon to 5 p.m. at the Civic Center Community Room. The juried exhibition will showcase more than 300 works of art, feature guest juror Julie Perlin Lee, executive director of the Laguna Art Museum, and include live music by local band B Side.

08/04/2026

Join us for the Pacific Symphony, this Sunday, August 9 at 6pm. Led by Grammy-winning conductor, Michael Repper, this family-friendly concert will be a mix of classical favorites, popular music, Broadway tunes, and audience sing alongs. And don’t miss the pre-concert Musical Playground filled with interactive, hands-on activities for children — beginning at 5 pm. Bring blankets, low-slung beach chairs, and a picnic dinner, or purchase from food trucks on-site. Free admission and parking. Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive

07/24/2026

You’ve done the reading now give yourself some credit. It’s the FINAL WEEK of Summer Reading and we’re almost to our community goal of ONE MILLION minutes read.

Log your Summer Reading minutes or turn in your game sheets and help us finish strong! Kids are also invited to participate in a special scavenger hunt at all locations from July 26 - August 1 for a bonus entry in the grand prize drawing.

Need help? Stop by and our staff will be happy to help you log your minutes. Summer Reading ends August 1. Log into Beanstack at newportbeachlibrary.beanstack.com/reader365

07/24/2026

07/20/2026

Get ready to sing, move, and explore during The Week of Music! Join The Ben Band for an interactive musical adventure through the Australian Outback. Featuring engaging music and charming stuffed animal friends, this high-energy program invites children and caregivers to participate, laugh, and learn together. A fun-filled experience that celebrates music, imagination, and global wildlife at the library. Ages 6-11. No registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Funding generously provided by the Friends of the Library.

Tuesday, July 21, 2pm, Central Library
Thursday, July 23, 10:30am, CdM Branch
Saturday, July 25, 10:30am, Mariners

07/15/2026

In case we haven’t said it enough, a big thanks to the Friends of the Library for funding our recent Meet the Author event featuring Shaun Tomson. The Friends underwrite various Library programs, which means we’re able to offer them free to the community. Over the last 25 years, the Friends have donated more than $5 million to support the Newport Beach Public Library, selling tens of thousands of used books at the Friends Bookstore. Enormous thanks to Amy, Ita, Paul, Wendy, Annie, Janet, and ALL of the Friends, for their hard work and generosity.

And if you missed the magical opening night at Witte Hall and Shaun’s message of purpose and inspiration, download the Code worksheet by using the QR code in the photo or by going to shauntomson.com