What an amazing event for children and parents (grandparents) alike. It was the Fire and Ice event…read moreand everyone had a great time. Sometimes we take for granted the resources we have at our disposal. The library is one of those things. They offer so much to the community and 99% of the time it costs us nothing but a little enthusiasm and time. This event had to do with explaining magic through science. My granddaughter throughly enjoyed it and I would dare to say that all the other children did as well. The library puts out a monthly calendar of all the events they are hosting. I've enjoyed several myself. One of my favorite was a gardening class. They offer something for everyone. Great place to spend some quality time with your little ones.

Joint Use Library is one of the greatest libraries in Virginia Beach. Librarians helped me find…read morewhat I was exactly looking for and they are very helpful.

I love it here! I…read morelove 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 :)

My family had been super regulars to the Meyera E. Oberndorf Library aka Virginia Beach Main…read moreLibrary 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.

My online book search for books about The Knights Templar and books about Stephanie Plum, the…read morebounty hunter and books about Venice by Donna Leon.

It was interesting to visit a library that I didn't know existed. Of course I knew there was a…read moreGreat Neck Library, but the location is so off the beaten path you need a map. All joking aside, for this first timer the library is only a block off of First Court, but accessed off of Old Donation Parkway. Turn onto Bayne Dr. which takes you to not only the library, but also Lynnhaven Middle School. My son needed to pick up materials that were immediately available and happen to be at GN Library. Upon approaching the area I passed the backside of Lynnhaven Park which is completely detached from the basketball courts on First Court and has a newer playground, so look for an update to this park. The parking is long paved lot beside the building. The size appears to be adequate for it's patrons. The building is possibly one of the older one's in the VB Library system. The lot was clean and exterior area was free from debris. A shocker was a cool small park like area with picnic tables opposite side of the parking lot beside the library. I noticed when walking in that they have installed the new automated return system. When entering you will find a small check out counter up front. To the left a very large children's library that is carpeted walled off and has a door. This is nice for security of small wondering kids. There are activity tables a computer and small chairs. I entered to just look around a bit and found children playing more than reading and a lot of materials in need of being reshelved... so was not impressed. However, I found all of the other areas clean and neat. Adult Fiction were just beyond on the left. and right back the bulk of the collection Non-Fiction. Also audio books or on the right exterior wall. The middle area has tables to read, or study. The square footage is not overwhelming and it's obvious it's an older facility, possibly early 80's. However, they seemed to have the necessary materials to serve the GN area. The have a small computer area of around 8 cubicles. It probably services this area okay, but nothing exciting. Just across from the computers is the Reference and quiet study area. To the left exterior is a meeting/multi-purpose room. No sink, or kitchen in the room like newer facilities. If they have private study rooms I did not see them, but would be surprised if they did not have at least two some where. My son checked out his own materials with my supervision at a distance. He said the process went smooth and the staff person, a younger black woman was nice. He also needed help at one point in locating a book and received immediate assistance and said this staff person was friendly and helpful in finding what he needed. I am assuming that this this library is on the lower side of circulation, but could be wrong. They had patrons enjoying different types of materials, but for the HUGE GN area is was not overly busy for a weekday. Could it be that this location is just not thought of since it's not on a main road. I could not get overly excited here, but if your in the Great Neck corridor and this branch works best than go for it! I think you will find it meeting a lot of your needs.

Before heading to a Yelp Elite event, I stopped by this library for some 'me' time. Starting last…read moreyear, I've made it a habit to go to libraries for resting before heading to a major event. Being an introvert, alone time is the best time and I'm sure a few extroverts would agree. Let's see how the visit went. Walking inside, everything was well put together. The library is a bit small with only one floor but there are a few tables and areas for using your computer. There are also private rooms if you need to spend time away from the public. And prior to the main entrance, there's a room where you can have a semi-conference and do presentations, which I saw one on the way to be seated. Also, in various areas, they had some artwork I assume from local artists or maybe students. Not bad. For the most part, the noise level was quiet to average while I read my book in peace. Definitely not an hour or so wasted for much needed private time. The next I'm in the area for an event, I'll be sure to stop by again.

The public library is a wonderful resource for many of things, providing free access to a wealth of…read moreknowledge/information related to life issues no matter what age or socioeconomic status. I received an email notification that my library card was about to expire. I headed in to renew my card and decided to roam around and see what kinds of resources were available that may apply to the population I work with or anyone I know who could benefit. It's awesome that they have toys available to borrow , along with items to keep one's mental state sharp. They even have a take a puzzle leave a puzzle section if you're into that sort of thing which also helps out with the environment. I posted pictures of a lot of the fliers and handouts they had available as examples of the info they provide. They have a seed library so you can plant a garden.

Took a tour of this library when it first opened & recently returned for a reception for the new…read moretraffic light on a nearby street. The employees are welcoming and the building is well-kept (still!). I love all the resources and play park they have for the local neighborhood children who come to visit on a daily basis. Just be aware that the parking lot is behind the library! Clean bathrooms, vending machines, conference rooms, to include an outside balcony located upstairs. Computers also available.

Beautiful brand new library. When I walked in, I was pleased to see it is set up like a mini…read moreSlover-conference rooms, computers and the best children floor in the city. I went upstairs to complete school work and enjoyed working with a wonderful window view. Self checkout and attentive staff all visible. A wonderful addition to the neighborhood and the city.

*3.5* I genuinely thought my days here were over after under grad was behind me, but here I am…read moreagain chucking out last minute papers while being fueled by caffeine. Pros- I love how quiet this place is and how fast and efficient the computers are. Internet here is never shoddy. Everyone that comes here comes here to study so you really get this studious feel. Minimal distractions. Really the spot for studying. Cons- parking. I don't have classes this semester on campus ! I take most of my classes online or in person at SECEP. This means I don't have a parking pass so guess what !!! I'm always having to bring tons of coins with me and when I'm spending an evening here .. I constantly have to walk out to the meters to put in more coins in and honestly .. it's a hike when you're under a time crunch. Also .. there isn't much metered parking to begin with ? Sometimes I come here (aka finals week) and there's only one metered spot left. Maybe next semester I'll just bite the bullet and buy a parking pass (it's over priced btw in my opinion) for the convenience especially because I really love going here to study but I really hate the parking situation.

If you're a business major you will most likely be visiting this building. Took some classes here…read morewhen I was at TCC, you must have a decal to park here since it is an ODU establishment. For anyone planning on going to TCC and transferring to ODU in the VB area this is something to consider (keep reading). It's also affiliated with NSU, that's as far is I know since I'm not a student there. The classes in currently taking are distance learning and in person. Now that I'm attending ODU, I really learned to appreciate the Higher Ed Center. I commute to ODU's main campus out in Norfolk and it's such a hassle considering the fact that you have to go on the highway, pray you find a parking spot (parking in Norfolk sucks), and make it to class on time. During the winter times the circulation in my legs froze midway walking to the Perry...it's not fun. If you're always on the go, works full time, and wants to save money -attending classes here is your best bet. It's on the smaller side, two stories, they have a tiny ODU/NSU library with computers and tables, Wave Cafe that serves Filipino food, and you can get your parking pass here too ($124/one semester). They do have people that check your decal so beware! I learned my lesson the other day bc I thought I was being slick parking in a discreet area next to a tree. Walked out and saw that darn piece of paper on my windshield and my hard earned $15 bucks out of pocket.

They've moved to a new location, at the "One Stop" for all things MWR on base- and it is immaculate…read morein there! Suchhh a cool facility! Not the most extensive library of course, but the selection they did have was new and in great condition. Everything from the shelves to the chairs was just so nice, and it's all in a building where other MWR things take place. There's even a gaming lounge, and a free play Pac-Man game! We really enjoyed being there, it was definitely worth the drive.

What a great library. It is small and aged but oh so amazing! Staff is wonderful and…read more story/craft time was great!!!

This is such a thoughtful & well stocked library! I am thrilled they have a drive thru too! How…read morecool! Today was our first visit to pick up a library card, a few books, and see what's what at the library! Can't wait to explore more & utilize everything they offer!

Soooo.. did you know that the library holds some pretty cool classes for free? (I say free, but we…read moreall know nothing is free-tax payer's money). I came upon a flyer at the cherry blossom festival from the VB library stand and lo and behold! Drone obstacle course caught my eye! What, where, when?!? I was excited. Registration for any classes or programs are typically open two weeks prior to course day. I was on it like white on rice! They only had six spots for the entire class, but only five signed up. Eighty percent of the class included myself and my siblings. It was like an unintentional adult siblings' play date at the library. It took place in their meeting room which was a fair size room. But, unfortunately with five drones operating at the same time, Bluetooth interference was rampant. This caused multiple simultaneous hovering, then full on disconnect and drones crashing to the ground. We learned to try and fly our respective drones a certain distance from one another to avoid this. Before we launched our drones, Julianna our instructor did a presentation on drones and identifying their parts, along with drone safety. We used mini Tello drones which were pretty fun to fly. You could even make them bounce and do 360 degree flips! My batteries were at half life after a short while. By the time I tried to make mine flip it didn't have sufficient battery life to execute this maneuver. I went through four batteries! It was a blast to practice navigating the drone through the hoops and fences in the room. I can't say I will be joining the DRL anytime soon with my navigation skills. But I did progress quite a bit by the end of the class! I made it through three hoops in a row, all different heights and two fences. You can even do hand landings. This was a really fun course and I am so appreciative and thankful for the VB public libraries for setting it up! Julianna was very organized, friendly, helpful and very PATIENT! I'm also glad they do separate drone classes- one for adults only and another for teens. My only suggestion is to maybe see if the library would be able to negotiate some space in the PA Rec center next door for more room. I understand why they don't hold the drone class outside due to air restrictions with no fly zones and in order to easily monitor the flying distance. I'm also thinking the batteries drained quickly due to the propeller guards. They're added weight to the drones, but I also understand the purpose is to protect the propellers and anything it comes into contact. Believe me, there were plenty of crashes going on, and not just due to Bluetooth interference. Haha.

Before heading to Koco Korean for the Yelp Elite event, I stopped here for some quiet time…read more Lately, I've run into libraries for reading before meeting up with fellow Yelpers. Being introverted, it gives me peace in being alone. Not to say I don't like being around people, but I'm sure others understand. Anyway, let's see how the visit went. The library for the most part was well kept. When you enter through the automatic doors, there are metal detectors in place and the front counter is on the right. Not all tables have plugs for those who need their devices charged, but I managed to find one on the 1st floor. There's a section for kids and also private areas that you can use for tutoring services. For the most part, I was comfortable. But in a separate area, there were a group of kids talking a bit loud. I believe they were of High School age. Growing up, I was taught to be quiet or talk a bit softly kn a library. But not them!! I was surprised none of the staff came by and told them to keep it down. Maybe I sound like an old man in a rocking chair (I'm only 45 years old), but still. Keep it quiet people!!! Other than brats causing ruckus, I felt fine. I don't mind coming back at all. But staff, please tell others to quiet down. Just saying.....

I have been visiting this library branch for decades - primarily because it is the closest library…read moreto where I grew up. Although this library may not have an extensive selection of material, I think most folks will be able to find something they like (or something close to what they will like). I'll say that the staff picks section of the library always has very interesting picks - especially for non-fiction. Fortunately, IMO, Va Beach does a good job with interlibrary loans. In my experience, I rarely would have to wait more than 4-5 business days to receive a notification that my reserved book was ready for pick up. For about 90% of my visits (over many decades), I have found the staff to be very helpful and professional. The library grounds are pretty clean, and the library has a very user-friendly layout. Also, the library provides plenty of parking. As one might expect, I do think anyone will have a problem finding parking to use a library. ;)

Before attending a Yelp Elite event in the Ocean View area almost two weeks ago, I stopped here for…read morea bit after work to enjoy some quiet time reading. I have slacked off a bit so having a moment to catch up was truly needed. Let's see how it turned out. The library itself is well kept. From the areas I walked in, everything was clean and books were in place. When you enter, there are automatic sliding doors and metal detectors. In the desk area, they even have plugs if you want to charge your phone or laptop, which definitely came in handy for yours truly. I spent the next hour or so reading a book from home or checking out news on my phone. Quiet time well spent before hanging out with friends. Libraries are needed for peace and relaxation and this one provided both. The next time I'm in the area for another event, I'll be sure to stop here :)

There is a Cozy Mornings Book club on the last Tuesday of the month. It is a very nice library by…read morethe beach. I usually go there when I do not want to go to the Slover library in Downtown Norfolk.