Many a times I've driven by the very attractive building of the Salem Public Library, located in…read morethe heart of Downtown Salem, and often wondered how it would be inside. What books and resources would they have to enrich the community? How would its interior architectural design be? And most important of all, How friendly and hospitable would the staff be to someone who visited the library for the first time. After all, it is said that: "People don't care so much what you know as that you care." So today I decided to park my Lexus at the Farmer's Market lot and walk from there to the library. As I studied its architectural design I had a feeling that it was from the '70s and later I found out that it opened its doors on January 2, 1970, and that it received an expansion in 1991. I love its warm, red brick walls and large window design, with its interior cathedral ceiling and well lit areas. It is so well maintained that you would think it was built yesterday. Upon entering the library, I immediately went to the circulation desk to introduce myself. Thanks to her warm and welcoming demeanor, I believe I had the pleasure of meeting the Library Director Ann Tripp. We talked for a while and then she graciously gave me a tour of the library. Her years of experience were revealed through the kindness of her words. I learned that the Salem Public Library offered a wide range of resources and services. Among them, a large collection of books, audiobooks, and DVD, 13 public computers for free use with Microsoft Office and with high-speed internet access, use of black-and-white and color printing (for a per-page fee), and various programs for all ages, from storyline to book clubs. It also provides digital resources like eBooks and magazines through Libby and Hoopia, meeting and study rooms, and a seed library. Other services they provide are mobile printing, interlibrary loans, and access to legal forms. This library serves as a community hub for downtown activity, with free WiFi, a large meeting room that can be reserved by nonprofit entities, two study rooms that can be reserved for two hours per day, and is supported by the Friends of the Salem Library. I also found out that the Salem Public Library Card, which is free to anyone who lives in Virginia, belongs to the Roanoke Valley Library (RVL) consortium. A group of libraries in the Roanoke Valley Regional Library System (including Roanoke City, County, and Botetourt), giving you access to their physical collections and digital resources like eBooks and databases. With so many free resources and services available, I highly recommend getting a library card to take full advantage of them all. And afterwards visit the Salem Public Library frequently. Also, consider giving the library your support by joining the Friends of the Salem Library and/or providing them with a tax deductible donation.

I utilize the Salem library quite frequently and am always impressed at the new and innovative…read moreofferings. We have had free board meetings at night and participated in many games and fun activities that were thoughtfully planned. I can't say enough about the friendly staff who are always willing to assist me in making copies, using the computers and helping in every way.

I do love this library and always have. It has been a huge part of our community and Roanoke county…read morehas tried to listen to concerns and comments along the way. One comment I want to reintroduce is opening back up on Sundays. Real shame to stay closed since Covid.

I don't agree with any kind of negative review of South County Library. To the "avid reader in…read moreparticular; no public libraries ime (including more than a few in the DC Metro areas) stock significant numbers of new books....the flow of the most current titles is often affected by demand both within and without the public library space in general. The staff here are generally very helpful. The reference staff are resourceful and have assisted me plenty in aquiring obscure titles via intra-library loans, and call me promptly by phone when an ordered title is received. The place is always clean and neat looking both inside and out. The building design and layout is uniquely attractive and the floorplan is spacious and efficient; the views of the surrounding areas are calming. There's a very nice quiet room upstairs, with a faux fireplace and comfortable seating. The book-drop slots and window-service drive-through are convenient. I've been to more than a few libraries. South County can hold its own with any public library anywhere. Of course that's my opinion, so check it out in-person and see for yourself.

The library is located in a strip mall by Kroger. There are many programs and activities for all…read moreages. Children can make crafts and participate with scholl activities. Adults can get their taxes done (for free) with AARPs volunteer program. The library has toys for kids and wheelchairs for adults. The web site has useful information on events and books. The employees are so nice. There is a private study room where you can have a low key celebration or eat. You just need to reserve the room if you want to guarantee the space and you need to clean up your mess. The soft chairs are comfy. If I had kids, I would bring an adult to supervise and check out books while another adult went grocery shopping. This place is awesome.

The Westlake Library has books, movies, computers, children's programs, free wi-fi and moreread more

I have visited many libraries in my life, and I can proudly say that the Vinton Library has been…read moreone of my favorites of them all. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at their Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And "The Vinton Library" in Vinton, Virginia, is a perfect example. Located in the heart of Vinton's Downtown Historic District, the Vinton Library, a branch of the Roanoke County Public Library system, is a modern public library with a wide selection of books, audiobooks, games, and DVDs, plus amenities like free Wi-Fi, public computers, printers, study rooms, a Digi Lab, mobile printing services, study areas, two meeting rooms, a conference room, a drive-through for book pick-ups and drop-offs, an upstairs balcony with outdoor tables and chairs, and a coffee shop that is currently closed. This library also hosts regular community activities, which can be tracked via their online official events calendar. One of the first things I admire about this library is it's prime location with a walkable, small-town atmosphere. Conveniently located near Vinton's government buildings, the U.S. Post Office, shops, restaurants, a barbershop, the Vinton's Chamber of Commerce, the Vinton's Farmer's Market, and The Hive Business Incubation Center (which offers offices, expert advice, and resources for entrepreneurs), among others, this library easily accessible via private autos as well as via public transportation and has an ample complimentary parking lot as well as a bus stop right on the side. Another thing I highly admire about this library is its architectural Modern design. It is beautiful from any angle you look at it. Its simple front landscape is complemented by a narrow walkway that seems to lead you from the sidewalk, around the front of the the building, and right into the very inviting entrance. If you arrive too early you have some benches along the way where you can wait. The interior design is a two story open space surrounded by floor to ceiling windows that not only bring in the light but one can see the beautiful blue sky with white clouds as well as the mountains in the background as one walks around the library. And the most important quality of them all that I admire about this library is its friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and resources for all ages. It is an inclusive library, a welcoming, accessible space that provides resources, services, policies catering to all community members, regardless of background, ability, or identity.

Vinton's library is a nice building that looks relatively new. As with many libraries, it feels…read moremore like a community center than a place you'd go to read a book, which is fine for my needs. There was not a huge amount of general seating. There was an outdoor balcony which might be nice on a better weather day.

Beautiful scenic ride up the mountain to breathtaking views of Roanoke…read more Dragged my husband there and he said he was glad because it was something totally worth doing. Takes about 10 minutes to drive up. The star is massive and way better than visiting the "HOLLYWOOD SIGN"

This is the best and most famous thing to do when visiting Roanoke. We went right before sunset and…read moreit ended up being the perfect time. You sit on the hill opposite the star and once the sun goes behind the tall trees, make your way over to the other side and see all of the city light up before you. Granted, it is a small place, but you get a whole view below you. The star is the biggest manmade star so take that as you will. It was nice that you could drive directly up to the parking lot and there were paved sidewalks so anyone could make the walk right up to the star. The parking lot is rather small so be prepared to either wait or have to go back down a little bit to find a place. We were there on a beautiful fall night so it seemed like the entire city was there. People were patient as you took pictures though so there was no trouble at all. Just a little crowded on the observation deck so be prepared.

Whether you're a history buff or someone looking for a beautiful place to stretch your legs, this…read morenational monument is worth a stop. Booker T Washington was born into slavery on this plantation, later freed during the Civil War and went on to become an educator, author and political activist. You can learn more about his life inside the visitor center as well as from the information boards scattered throughout the property. I highly recommend a walk on the Jack o' Lantern loop trail which is about 2 miles long and takes you past old buildings and through the woods. Dogs are also allowed on the trail if they are on a leash. The visitor center is open from 10am-4pm and the grounds are open from 9am-5pm with the exception of some major holidays. And there is no fee to visit!

Booker T. Washington. If you attended 4th grade in VA public school system, then you were taught…read moreabout the Life of Booker T Washington. Born into slavery, in VA, to be freed and to create a better life for black Americans. I took a 2 mile walk here on the farm. I saw chickens, horses, tobacco houses and his home. A very nice peice of land. Glad to have seen and stopped at this National Monument!

Hidden Bridge in plain sight…read more Made a little detour through a tiny town though it was a bit later than planned. I had the whole bridge to myself. This BSB creaks and moves a little but I didn't feel any dramatic "swing". There were some locks on both sides so it may be considered a romantic bridge? For being late, I was treated to a beautiful sunset over a glossy river and saw a doe with 2 fawns crossing the road. Drive slowly at dusk through Buchanan. There are NO street lights. There is NO designated parking. I just pulled over to a side of a road for about 10 minutes. Enjoy!

A little bit of unique history that gets driven by and probably criticized often, but is so unique…read moreit's awesome. Now this feels like something you'd do at Disney or a theme park, but it's not that at all, because it's as real as possible right to the north of downtown Buchanan. The stone pier you see today is the original from 1851 and this bridge spans 366 feet across the James River and is 57.6 feet tall. And it sways or swings and you can not only feel it, but you can see it too. And it's all made out of wood. Seriously I was hesitant at first, good thing I had my 3 boys worn me, afraid of nothing with death not even a thought (it's not that bad). The view from the bridge are breathtaking and because of the uniqueness of it, it's just cool. You feel like you've walked into yesteryear, where the civil war raged, which it did. Apparently the original bridge was burned down as a strategy by the Confederate General McCausland. We spent about 20 minutes taking it in and our confidence grew the more we tested the old rickety bridge. Good times by one and all and we enjoyed the park and basketball hoops right next to the parking lot for the bridge. It's a beautiful downtown with lots of history. Next time your pass Buchanan, swing on by for a walk on the swinging bridge and step into history.

A little broken down, but still an interesting local curiosity. If you like a little side of the…read moreroad fun, have a peek

This place is amazing, literally the best place to visit in Roanoke. Despite what some of the…read morereviews say, it is much bigger than expected. Neighborhood is beautiful, right next to the river. You are missing out if you don't make this a priority stop when passing by, near, around, or within a hour of Roanoke.