NEWPORT BEACH : Mariners Library Plans Activities for Children

Just as the holidays are winding down, local children will have a new adventure to look forward to with the start of “Mariners Madness� at the Mariners Branch Library.

The free, structured activities for children in grades one through six will begin Jan. 3 under the direction of library and city recreation staff. The activities will last through the year.

They include:

* SuperStars, from 2 to 5 p.m. Mondays. The weekly event will feature games with a competitive spirit, including carom tournaments, relay races and obstacle course contests.

* Stories for Big Kids, at 3 p.m. Tuesdays. Librarian Jana Pratt will share local tales as well as those from around the world.

* Creative Encounters, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. Pratt and guest artists will help children learn to express themselves through multimedia art activities. Preregistration is required for participation in the program.

* Friday Flix, at 3:15 p.m. Fridays, will feature screenings of popular videos in the Vincent Jorgensen Community Center next to the library.

The new activities will be paired with a free and supervised play in Mariners Park. Parents of children participating in the program must fill out emergency notification cards.

To register for the art program or for more information, call Frank Eastman at (714) 644-3145; for information only, call the Recreation Department at (714) 644-3151.