Library week to feature science author

A speech by a renowned physicist, children’s story times with the Newport Beach mayor and city council members, and balloon animals will be among the attractions at the Newport Beach Public Library for National Library Week, starting Sunday.

String theorist Brian Greene, author of “The Elegant Universe,” will speak as part of the library foundation’s Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday, along with a high school question- and-answer session at 11 a.m. Saturday. Annie Banannie will make balloon art at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the main library and at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Mariners Branch.

Council members and city officials will host story times with varying themes at the central library and the Balboa, Corona del Mar and Mariners branches. Visit www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800.

— Alan Blank