On the way to separate Yelp events in the area, I stopped at this library on two occasions. Getting some quality time for myself was key after I got off work. Let's see how everything turned out. The library is named after the former Virginia Beach mayor. Inside, it's very spacious where there are two floors. If you want complete privacy, there are private rooms available. And they also have a conference room which is right by the entrance doors. There are booths available where you can do personal reading or assignments if you're a student. Also, they have charging stations for your mobile phone and laptop. And they have a children's section for kids. The library is showing its age, but still appears to be a great place for all ages that walk in. For both visits, very comfortable. This library will be a go-to the next time I'm in the area. Till next time :) read more

I love it here! I love the convenience of the location how it's near everything! The library is minutes from the mall minutes from a gas station minutes from a gym this is just perfect in my opinion. Very seldom do I use any other services other than the desk area to do independent work. Even though I do have a library membership in case I do decide to check out anything I just love being able to come and work in a neutral environment it's not super quiet in here especially if mothers or Guardians are with children but still it's nothing that's unbearable. The staff is super friendly always helpful. Every time I come in I'm greeted with a smile. The restrooms are always tidy! Upstairs and downstairs areas and handicap accessible. There are Stadium size rooms as well just an efficient building and location that holds a lot of events from graduations to seminars. But if you haven't been here definitely check them out. This past year, I've witnessed some graduates come and take their senior photos and evidently that's something that's allowed I've never seen anyone question them... I Love all the natural light that comes in as well petfect for pictures on a bright day. Have fun and enjoy life :) read more

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My family had been super regulars to the Meyera E. Oberndorf Library aka Virginia Beach Main Library prior to COVID. Recently my wife and I attended an annual genealogy event dubbed "Moonlight Madness". It has been on hold the last three years with the pandemic. A sign up was required and I did not see it advertised. I accidentally ran across it. Unfortunately the event was poorly attended. However, the program was informative for a beginner and the staff was strong. The librarians are experts in the field of genealogy research. After the formal program which was held after library hours we had time to do our own research on provided computers with high speed internet. Staff was available to assist with specific genealogy databases. We were allowed free of charge to receive print offs. Hopefully next year when the event is sure to continue its advertised better for improved attendance. You do not need a program to begin your research into family history. The databases are free to use with a library card. As well there is assistance if needed. The City of Virginia Beach has wonderful resources for its residents at its libraries throughout the town. Look on their website for programing that your family may be interested in. Consider using VB Libraries if you do not already. read more

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What a beautiful building, with an AWESOME staff. My daughter and Mayor Oberndof's younger daughter Heidi graduated Kempsville H.S Class 1986.. read more

I absolutely love going to the library. I have always been an avid reader. It is my all time favorite hobby/past time. I recently discovered the Friends Book Store inside the central library on Virginia Beach Blvd. They have all types of books and for all ages. The best part of all this are the prices. All books are reasonably priced. The most expensive ones are the brand new releases in hardcover (my favorite). In addition to the Friends Book Store, the library offers classes online, they schedule arts and craft classes for children and adults and offer different services to the community (free tax preparation going on right now) and all that is required is a free library card. If you haven't visited your local library, I strongly suggest you get acquainted/reacquainted soon. Take advantage of everything they offer to the community and in a clean and safe environment. read more

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This is Virginia Beach Central Library that is located on the busy Virginia Beach Blvd. This huge library has rows of bookshelves and rows of media like DVDs and CDs. There's an area for children and an area for teens. It's worth the visit with lots of community resources. read more

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Love my local library! I've been coming here since relocating and it has satisfied my needs. Parking lot is spacious and if I'm not mistaken, there is a little cafe off to the right once you go in? Honestly not quite sure because I always make a beeline for the books. The library has good signage so it's quite easy to find a section or even a book you are looking for. I had some author's names already and I was able to find 2 books I was looking for in less than 10 minutes. There's also computers by the reference section for catalogs searches if you're not sure of a book you're looking for or it's info. There's several other computers for patrons to use for personal use to include many areas to complete work, study, or even just read a book. Employees are super helpful. The check out area has been updated to a self checkout (computerized). It's fairly easy as long as you remember your pin for your library card! Only negative is that I had charges on my card after not using it for a year or two. I was charged $1 a piece for an expired hold on books I assume I put on hold years ago. Not certain why I was charged for not picking them up or the policy on charges, but interesting to say the least. read more

Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Upon realizing reading that Barnes And No longer open in the Towne Center area located by Pembroke Mall in VB, I decided to go to the next best things. Virginia Beach Central Library To my surprise the second floor seems to be under some sort of renovation. I was disappointed because my son was looking forward to entertain himself in the children's library section. As I did some research downstairs All in all this library is spacious, organized, quiet and quite clean. There is a free parking and a coffee cafe by the entrance I do like that your library is card can be added to your keys as a key chain which allows for convenience at checkout. read more

Maybe it's just me, but this library is way too dark. The lighting here is horrible especially where all the booths are at. I prefer a lot of light when I read or work and I can't find a spot here that provides that. Another down side is electrical plugs are so limited. All the spots by the walls (which has more sun light) unfortunately do not have any plugs for you to charge your laptops. The positions of the working/studying booths or tables are not only lacking lights but also give you no privacy. It feels very open. Lastly a lot of kids running around. Just seems to be too distracting to be a good place for focusing. Very disappointed. Definitely one of my least favorite libraries given it looks very nice. Not recommended if you prefer a good lighting, quiet and private corner to study or work. read more

I drive out of my way to come here from time to time because I love how beautiful and calm the place is and feels. I love the amenities. I bring my god daughter here and she loves the kid area as well as the tiny sculptured houses scattered around one area of the building ( I'm not sure if that's there all the time or if it was an event or something but we enjoyed looking at them). I have not explored each part of the library but I know when I do come here I am always greeted with a "hello" or asked if I need help finding something. The place is well kept up with cleanliness and lots of space for schoolwork, too. I wish this place was closer to me, I'd go everyday if I could. read more

Love it here! The only thing that slightly and I do mean slightly bothered me is that sometimes there are people who think it's ok to have an obnoxiously loud conversation for 30 min and nobody says anything, or people who come in and fall asleep and end up snoring... so my only suggestion would be to have the staff be a little more involved with managing the noise. Other than that absolutely love it! read more

This place is huge1 And you can definitely spend hours wondering the aisles. There are plenty of comfy places to sit and get lost in reading, there are videos to rent, and the staff are very helpful! read more

A few years ago, the voters kicked Meyera out of her Mayor gig and named this huge free bookstore after her. Hang on a sec here....Let me pause for a moment and pay some homage... Meyera E. Oberndorf was truly a legend, one of the greatest Mayors in Virginia Beach, if not US, History. Sure, there were some difficult times, some unrest at the Oceanfront and all of that...but consider the number of tourists that pass through here every year along with the fact that a huge share of the 'permanent' residents are only here for 2 years or so, the fact that the entire boardwalk wasn't up in flames every other weekend is a remarkable feat in and of itself! Her Honor was never too busy to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new business or city parking garage, her activities schedule was always jammed packed with ample opportunity to press the flesh with the electorate and their children. In recent years, Meyera has had a bit of a rough go of it. I did see her down at the oceanfront a few years ago at Blues at the Beach. She was recently out of office, but looked relieved and relaxed in a peaceful sort of way. And I'm glad, because she gave of herself, her energy, her drive, her passion...and I'm pleased that for at least a little bit of time, she was able to kick her feet up and enjoy what she helped build. So back to the big free bookstore. If you live here, you can get some plastic that allows you to take things out of here and read them in the comfort of your own home...or better yet at Starbucks! As Elwood Blues properly predicted in 1979: 'By the year 2006, the music known today as the blues will exist only in the classical records department of your local library.' MEO has got tons of blues here, check it out (get it? 'Check it out?' Library? I made a funny!!!)! There is a cool little coffee shop here, a thrift store that sells used underwear..i mean used books. Once you are done reading your treasures from Barnes and Noble, drop them off here so that they can sell them and make some money. If you need help doing your taxes, that happens here too. Need help with your calculus homework? I'm sure that someone roaming around can explain the Third Derivative for you. Now here is the really really cool part: It is all free! No charge for parking. In the summer, they've got Air Conditioning! Stop by here sometime and spend a few hours. It's fun! As a great philosopher once said: Na, na, na Gonna have a good time Na, na, na Gonna have a good time Hey, hey, hey! This is Bill Cosby coming out with music and fun If you're not careful, you may learn something before it's done! Hey, hey, hey! ' And when you enter, think some warm thoughts for the matriarch for whom the place is named. Put your politics aside for a minute and reflect on the difference that she made and how this place might be the best and most fitting tribute we can offer up. read more

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Great place to study and work on business. They keep the library kept up very well and answer all my questions any time they arise. Keep up the great work! read more

I love this library. It's pretty good in size and book selection. The staff is always very friendly and welcoming. They also have a free spacious parking lot and even coffeshop inside... read more

Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Great to pick up and check out recent DVD rentals, the library staff are very helpful, and they have a great rental and text notice service. I really like coming in to just read a magazine, get my taxes done for free in the spring, browse the book shop, or simply look at the mini art gallery while sipping on the coffee shop cafe. A nice place to relax and just sink into a good read! read more

Very clean extremely WHITE inside every shelf gleaming WHITE the place is like a Mr clean commercial. Have used several of the conference rooms in the middle to conduct business meeting an so forth it's a quiet place convenient for meeting in public! Of the libraries I've frequented in Virginia and throughout Hampton Roads this is one of the nicest and well kept, and as for the selection I think you can find what you are looking for here. Very extensive in the array of books and dvds on account. read more

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This library is pretty good in terms of resources and size. The staff is sometimes friendly, sometimes not (at least to me). I personally have no big issues with the homeless community and I hope this doesn't get blown out of proportion. But there are an abundance of homeless people at the library, and that's okay. What's not okay is when my friend tells me she was at the lib studying and a homeless guy was staring at her... pleasuring himself (sorry if that's inappropriate). And I understand this isn't the library itself, but at a certain point it falls on them and their security to handle this. Not bc he's homeless but bc he's, in a way, sexual harrasing this woman. It's free and there's a private parking lot. They also have a coffee shop available. I'm not entirely sure if I'll be back to be perfectly honest. read more

Very nice library! Everything is organized & the set up is nice with plenty of booths for sitting down & working/studying. There's no cafe but there are conference rooms & public computers for use. read more

We've been here in the area for two and a half years and though the kids love books, we had never made it over to the Central library until recently. After going last weekend, I can most definitely say we will be back. We really enjoyed our visit. The library is really nice with two levels, a coffee shop, and a used book store with really cheap books. There is a teen only section (not applicable for our boys yet) but a cool feature. Everything is very clearly labeled so you can easily find the items for which you are looking. Though we mostly just wandered around, I can see spending some time here to get some work done as everyone was respectful and fairly quiet. I almost feel smarter just walking around all the books. Actually, me being smarter isn't that tough so I probably did get smarter just from my visit. Who knows, my brain might be fully functional with a few more trips. See you there! read more

The days of me hanging out in a library are long gone and I'm so glad I don't have to go to them anymore... at least for studying. Recently though, I held a seminar where I talked about social security income for those old enough receive benefits. We rented one of their special rooms, the Libris room. It's very spacious, at least 30 x 30 foot in size. They have everything you need: projector, cords, tables, chairs, and overhead projection screen. You have to set everything up yourself so be sure to arrive early if you're doing a presentation. I suggest bringing your own cords to connect to a projector if you're working with newer laptops that use the HDMI connection. For four Saturday sessions it only cost $40. Not too shabby. One thing that was confusing on our end. On Saturdays the library opens at 10am. We had the room at 9am. In order to access the room you have to go through the back door. No big deal but that caught us off guard and set us a few minutes behind for getting things set for the presentation. read more

Formerly known as the Central Library due to its central location in Virginia Beach, the largest library in the city is now known as the Meyera Obendorf Library in tribute to it's recently ousted but longest running mayor. Other than the name change, there's nothing really new about the library, but if it ain't broke then don't try to fix it. The Meyera (as I am now calling it) is a large beautiful structure, complete with skylights, a bookstore/giftshop, plenty of available computers and the best selection of reference and reading materials available to the general public in the city. With a coffee shop, auditorium and meeting rooms available for rent, there's lots of reasons to check out this library and enjoy seeing the spare change from your tax dollars being put to good use. read more

A free, calm, spacious library with a great book selection and extensive opening hours! The staff is helpful and friendly. It is free to park. The automated return system for books is extremely convenient. Materials can be return in any of the Virginia Beach library branches. read more

Virginia Beach has an excellent public library system. Central Library, recently renamed after longtime VB mayor Meyera Oberndorf, is the heart of the system. The design is open, modern and spacious with a mezzanine style second floor that allows for a sweeping view of the nonfiction stacks and reference desk below. All the amenities are available: work areas, computer access, meeting rooms, a book shop, automated self checkout. There's a cozy kids' section upstairs with pint size tables and chairs and computers (even a pint size toilet in the bathroom). There's a small art gallery and theater where the library hosts acoustic concerts and other events. The Tidewater Friends of Folk Music group uses the theater as its home base. There's even a coffee shop in the lobby. Get yourself a latte, bring it inside (it's OK) and hole up in a corner with a good book or your laptop--they now have wi-fi throughout the building. The library's collection may not be as large as those in older cities, but I've never had any trouble finding a book I was looking for and it's easy to get books transferred from one library to another if they're not on the shelf at your nearest branch. The City recently scaled back on some library hours due to budget cuts, but the Central Library hours remain unchanged. They are closed on Sundays during the summer only. read more

Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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I've only been once. It had been a long time since I walked into a library. I won't even go into how much has changed. Let's just leave it at technology has really changed things. This is a small library, but decent. The young woman that I initially asked for help was fairly unfriendly, but directed me to another woman who was not only friendly, but so kind and very helpful. She answered all of my questions and some that I didn't think to ask but should have. She checked me out, but also told me that the library operates similar to a self-serve place. I only found one of the books that I was looking for and another was lost and the last was not one they even heard of. With the advent of advanced technology and information, books, research journals, etc. at your fingertips, I wouldn't be surprised if libraries became a thing of the past...at least the physical buildings. read more

The employees here are friendly and eager to help. They are a wealth of information and are more than happy to share their information. I don't have any complaints. read more

KThis is one of the best libraries I have journeyed to in a while. Its clean,spacious with a large selection of books as well as computers and other research materials. The bathroom's were spotless when I arrived and smelled fresh. The best thing to do is arrive early at this location as it attracts many. read more

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I can't rave enough about the Virginia Beach Public Library system. Growing up, my neighborhood branch was Kempville Library, but Central Library is the largest branch with the most amenities, and it's an easy trip out from most areas of Virginia Beach. They have a large section downstairs for nonfiction and reference, while fiction books are upstairs. There are meeting rooms, an auditorium, computer workstations...even a cafe! I honestly have no idea why people buy so many books when they can visit the library for free. I love the audiobooks and CD section, what a great way to save money and enjoy all the media you love. read more

-Its a beautiful library- 2 floors, kids running around, books everywhere. They have an computer section with cublicles where you can bring your own laptop to plug in and connect to their free wifi. -Printing is 0.20 cents per page. - Temp: very cold in there: around 68 degrees id say. Its not so bad if youre running in and out. - The library is quite loud ( as are most nowadays), but they have 2 first come first serve study rooms downstairs that you may rent for max of 2 hrs i believe. If you want to extend your rental, you have to ask the information desk 1 hr before your time is to exprire. However, they do have empty tables and cubicles in the back that are somewhat quiet- but bring ear plugs. - Cafe in the front sells coffee for about 1.75 ,and 1$ refills. They also sold chai, water, soda, and limited bakery items. They have chairs and tables set up tehre as well, so you may eat and read. Its also less cold there. - Bookstore in the front- i havent ventured into there yet. - Plenty of free parking and close to the mall ( incase you need a break from reading) - Friendly and helpful staff. Clean bathrooms. They let me bring my coffee and cupcake in. Not very quiet, but a good place to study if needed. read more

The Va Bch library is top notch. The online services are great, from reserving books, CDs, DVDs and downloading music, thats right 3 free downloads a week. You can choose were you want to pick up your reserved book, CD or DVD. What a great service. Who needs to buy books when we have such a great public library system. read more

This location is incredibly disappointing. For it's size, the selection is extremely poor. It took me an hour to find just one book to check out because they didn't have every single book that I looked for. My list of books I would like to read is over 100 books long, and I went through far too many of those before I actually found something. Their organization is very poor as well, I found many things in the wrong place. To top it all off, the librarians are incredibly rude. The last time I was there, I asked for help finding a particular book, and the woman I asked made it very clear that she felt I was wasting her time. Now today, when checking out at the self service check out, I was unaware that the books did not need to be scanned, they simply need to be placed on the black mat. The older woman behind the counter all but yelled at me, and made me feel incredibly stupid for not knowing this. I'm starting to think I would be better off just purchasing books from Barnes and Noble. At least then I could actually find what I'm looking for, and the service would be far better. read more

Wonderful venue for events. We held a seminar for women and the auditorium is very clean, modern and easy to access! They have a great coffee shop too. I think the chai tea was the best I have ever had. read more

Great place, I went there to get a library card, and the people up there were great in helping me to figure out what I needed to do and explained the rules and conditions of how my card works and I was overall happy with my time there and will be going back in the future. read more

I think perhaps the name of this place should be changed from 'library' to community center. A library implies that academic pursuits are welcome there. It is an extremely loud place. Children and adults are playing video games or watching videos on computers without head phones so that anyone trying to study cannot think straight. People are constantly talking on their cell phones or with other people as well. I have repeatedly requested that people be required to use head phones or suggested there be some 'quiet zones.' Frankly the staff act like I am being ridiculous and I was once told that "libraries now aren't like they were when you were younger." I am 43 if that matters. The back half of the library is taken up by people lounging around waiting to get their taxes done for several months out of the year, who talk as if they are in a tax service waiting room instead of a library. This library is basically filled with parents who want to check their Facebook pages and stick their children in front of a computer to play video games while they do so. Anyone who goes their for a quiet place to study, work or read is totally out of luck. read more

I like the children's section (or rather, my kids like it). The library itself is really nice and the staff is all very friendly and helpful. That being said, the selection isn't really great. But overall it's a good experience. read more

There is no lock in the family bathroom on the second floor. There's also only one toilet and it is tiny. Great for my three-year-old tough for my five-year-old. Would be nice if there was a child seat on the wall to strap my one year-old into. Instead she had to crawl around on the dirty floor as I helped my three-year-old and got knocked over by the door when someone barged in because there's no lock on the door and my five-year-old was busy washing his hands so he could not hold the door closed. Then the woman who knocked my child over with the door said aloud in a rude voice that she will just have to go all the way downstairs to use the bathroom because she had already been waiting for 10 minutes!! I'm sorry but I had 3 children using the toilet and/or needing diapers in a very small non family friendly family restroom that is in desperate need of a lock!! While she had herself and a 5+ year old! Use the normal bathroom! Some people can be so incredibly rude!! I definitely will not be returning to this library because how much of a pain it is to use their family friendly restroom! read more

One of my favorite places in Virginia Beach! It's not exactly cozy like the small library in my hometown but it more than makes up for it in selection, convenience, and the helpful staff. Coming here is a biweekly ritual for me. read more

Listed under Art a Galleries in Virginia Beach, but this is a LIBRARY. It's a nice library, has lots of books, DVD's, Audio,books, Free wifi, computers and much more. They have an occasional display of art, but this certainly isn't an art gallery in the traditional sense. I have books in my studio, all the time,,but I don't list my business as a library. Is Yelp paying attention? read more

Modern design has incredible acoustics. Cell phone conversations from patrons on the first floor can be heard on the second floor. Most people come to view archives, check out books, or listen to their audio section. Some people just come to soak up the air condition, be smelly, and broadcast embarrassing-should-be-private conversations with the health department, parole officer, or what have you. Parking is plentiful, bathrooms are clean, and it's the perfect place to occupy a computer terminal to play PC games. read more

If you need to change your address or to call for renewals... this is the location to do it!! fabulous and personable staff.