The Slover Library provides a great workspace setup on par with a high-end coworking space, but at absolutely zero cost. The building itself is beautiful, the WiFi is fast and reliable, and there are plenty of excellent spots to set up a laptop before a meeting. Having access to clean, well-maintained bathrooms is a notable plus as well. It is an ideal, calm environment to lock in and get things done in downtown Norfolk without having to rely on a coffee shop. read more

See all

A lot has changed I currently went here for a bike expo. I love the openness and natural lighting with all the glass windows. I'll have to come back so I can see what all is new and changed. read more

Downtown in the city of Norfolk is the Slover Library. It's the kind of library that was inspired by books. The architecture is magical, and can bring nostalgia of reading Harry Potter books. I was specifically in the children's section which is located on the second floor. Which is the perfect place to take your children on any day. The library is accommodating for all ages. There's an area for everyone. I was surprised by the changing tables in the restrooms. Along with the desk that has a baby playpen built in so that parents can study of so work while their children are safely at their side. Overall the view was breathtaking and is a must see for anyone who's visiting Norfolk, and even locals who need a new outlook on life. The view of downtown from the second floor makes you see the world differently read more

See all

Came to the Slover Library in downtown Norfolk for a vision board session, had no idea that the library was this big, five stories. Definitely want to come back and explore more read more

See all

We love the children's floor! So many fun activities, books, and places to sit! I love that the children's section is an entire floor by itself. read more

I spent several hours at Slover on a Saturday and had a wonderful experience visiting. This was my first time at Slover. It's a huge, beautiful library with 7 floors. One floor, I believe the 6th floor, is currently closed due to recarpeting. Even with a floor closed, there are still plenty of spaces available to read and study. The basement level has large rectangular tables that are great for group study sessions or just spreading out books and reading solo. I was studying at a long table on the basement level for a while until a Dungeons and Dragons group sat across from me and it became harder to focus. Fortunately, there's no shortage of quiet spots in Slover and I moved to the 5th floor which provided another great study space. The upper level's have large windows that let in a lot of natural light and provide a lovely view of downtown Norfolk. In addition to the great study spaces and book selections, I also appreciated the clean restrooms and helpful staff who shared the advantages of each floor in the library. If you get hungry while at the library, there's a waffle shop (Granby Street Waffles) that shares an entrance with the library. There's also Selden Market right next door. Looking forward to visiting Slover again soon! read more

See all

A stunning building inside and out. I was here for an event where they used a room on the upper level. The floral arrangements inside and outside are breathtaking. The library itself is so well kept and clean. There has been other events there like art exhibits as well. read more

Library is always clean, organized and staff is very helpful! There is a kids section with books, toys and an infant play area that is surrounded with soft blocks. Play kitchens and small chairs for kids to sit in while reading/being read to. Our son had a great time and we will be back again! read more

The Slover - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

See all

The Workshops at The Downtown Slover Library are well-put together & the other online classes are great. However, for me, I don't always feel welcomed nor included by some senior staff member(s) in the workshops. Just my experience! Virginia is a wonderful state but adapting to different kinds of people & personalities is an area that they should work on if they want to be inclusive! read more

This quaint library is inside the Selden Market. Pleasant surprise inside. The library is a small area with areas for books (obviously!) audiobooks, and movies from what I saw. Did not interact with any staff but they seemed friendly. There was a copy center inside as well and studying tables. Very quiet atmosphere, clean, and organized. read more

The Slover - Movie section - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

This is a beautiful library. This the best library I have ever seen. I wish they had this type of library in New York City. I have been in real nice libraries before but nothing like this. This place have about 6 floors that are set up for different purposes. They have a green screen room, audio production room, photography, offices, and other spaces for curating events. I attended the MTS Beat Clinic there and it was on the top floor. There is an outside patio that has a nice view of Norfolk. Overall, I would like to revisit it on my own time and really check out all it has to offer. read more

The Slover - MTS Beat Clinic - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

See all

This is a phenomenal free resource for the residents of Norfolk. The collection of books is astounding and spends every genre over the course of five floors. Additionally, it has resources for art, production, musical production, genealogy, and research. It is clean, quiet, and aesthetically pleasing. Books can be brought in and returned to any other library in the Norfolk public library system. The staff is it phenomenally, helpful and friendly. read more

This library is GORGEOUS! I came here for a meeting and the room was full of windows and bright, natural light could come in. You had a great view of the waterside district as well from the meeting room. The library itself is just gorgeous. Books are laid out neatly and organized extremely well. They have a welcome desk as soon as you walk in and the woman was smiling and happy to assist. It is wheelchair friendly and very spacious. Definitely recommend! read more

The Slover - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

What a fabulous library in downtown Norfolk. One of the most Technically advanced in the state of Virginia. WiFi available throughout building. Over 160,000 books in circulation. Also. Home to one of the largest collections of historical and genealogical research in Virginia and the largest in the Hampton Roads region! Visually quite modern and pleasing with glass facade. Parking is around the corner in garage or on street. This library was designed with care and class. Lots of books to see and check out if are a resident of Norfolk. They sometimes run sales for overstocked books. A true gem. Norfolk should be proud. read more

If you cannot get excited about this library than someone should shake you silly and check your pulse because you have just flatlined. I love libraries, heck I'm married to a librarian so I guess she has rubbed off in our 23 years of marriage. The Slover is magnificent, it's spectacular, it's incredible and the City of Norfolk is the proud owner of this architectural marvel. Make no mistake this is one of the best things to occur in downtown Norfolk since we began residing in the area ten years ago. Parking in the nearby city garage for up to three hours for $1 vs. an expensive meter that is 25 cents for 9 min. I made the mistake of not knowing and was tortured by having to rush through the building and not really take it in. The exterior of the Slover is attractive with all of it's glass. No debris in sight at the entry way. The library is positioned beautifully beside the Seaboard Building which has housed the main library since 2009. It is a looker too and the way it cozies up next to the Atrium and Slover it's one of the most unique combination old/new designs that you may see in Norfolk. The two buildings melt seamlessly together by the four story glass atrium. I spent little time in the Main library and browsed mainly in the new. My head was stuck up looking around the atrium with glass sculptures on the ceiling. I am unsure who designed it, but the ironwork is truly amazing and a work of art. At a cost of $65 million and opened in January 2015 it has been the buzz of downtown for good reason. It is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building and possibly one of the most technologically advanced libraries not in just Virginia, but the world. Are you getting excited about seeing this incredible monument to literary works, well I will continue on and tempt you more. Once you walk in you will see an info desk in front of you in the atrium. The main library is to the left with four gorgeous Gothic door openings on the ornate Neo-Palladian stone-and-brick structure that dates back to 1900. It was constructed by the federal government for the federal courts and the U.S. Post Office. It's most well known as Norfolk City Hall up until 1965. It is most recognized for it's killer reading room. I wish that I had spent a little more time in the old, but was on the clock with a meter running. The checkout is to your right. The new Slover is four stories. A beautiful modern wood stairway leads you to the second floor and the Youth area. There was a separate room for toddlers to play and and open area with tons and tons of toys for younger children. Other floors had stacks and meeting rooms as well. I did not browse these areas and have little info. I looked around the circulation area which had some stacks and surprisingly a gift store with some nice items. You just usually don't expect to see that in a library, but it support them in some way but do not know how. Everything is new, everything is shining and it's design a marvel that is jaw dropping. I talked with a few staff which were helpful in getting info about both structures. I did see a few men in front inside on a cold day that looked like they were more getting out of the cold than interested in checking out books, but they caused no harm. This is a place you need to see for yourself, bring your kids, bring a friend, but just get your butt over to see this sparkling new building in all of it's glory. Let's not forget to thank the generosity of so many that made the Slover Library a reality for residents of Norfolk that will live on for years to come. read more

See all

One of the amazing libraries I've ever been to. A cool design, fun events, high teck, ... But super duper packed. To get face painting, balloons, for those special things, you gotta wait for ages. No parking lot tho. That's why I give 4 stars. I wanna come back when they don't have any special events;) read more

See all

This library is gorgeous, state-of-the-art, spacious, so many levels and styles, beautiful architecture. Let's just say it has undergone a grand makeover since I was an elementary aged child frequenting Kirn Memorial Library, and it has grown as much as I have LOL. I parked at MacArthur mall since I had a few things to do there first. I also hadn't a clue of anywhere else to park to go to the library. I appreciated the front desk/help desk lady who was able to point me in exactly the right direction. I was with my friend and her little boy so I mostly saw the children's floor. Countless books. Uniquely designed candy colored furniture. There is a coloring station. Two play areas for kiddos of varying age groups. Ipads and computers outfitted with games for the young'ns. They also have activity rooms. Program room: Mrs.Wyn was most helpful. On her second day here she took the time to show me at least half a dozen toys. She took them off the shelf, opened them up, Explained how each of them could be used/modified for my friends 2.5 year old. Even the toys for the older bunch could be used in a creative way like organizing colors and shapes and forming patterns. Be sure to check out my photos!!! read more

See all

We love when we are able to make a trip out to Norfolk, VA. We always make an attempt to go to this library before heading back to VB. This library is not only beautiful but it is BIG and meant for everyone in your family. The kids floor, of course, is our favorite. The girls are able to roam freely with everything at their level and obtainable with ease. The floors have interactive areas for the kids along with a play area. They host a lot of events such as movie night which we plan to attend! read more

See all

Absolutely my favorite library in the area. I'm not a resident of Norfolk but since I work downtown I was able to get a library card. I think as long as you are a resident of Virginia then you have access to the Slover catalog. This library is massive and stunning. It's a beautiful place for events and they have amazing programs every month. It's peaceful and beautiful. Definitely worth the time checking out and staying a while. read more

I love the baby classes they offer here! The instructors know kids by name and are so patient. This is a great way to get your littles out of the house (for FREE) and around kids their age. I also love that it's attached to Sheldon Market which means easy access to good food after a class! read more

QUIET PLEASE: desk staff should observe the quiet rules on the fourth floor, instead of carrying on loud conversations that everyone on the fourth floor can hear. We ask you kindly to observe these rules for the benefit of our community & remain quiet or take you conversation to any one of the other 5 floors of the library where loud conversations may be more appropriate. Thank you! STANDING TABLES: the medical community unanimously concur, sitting leads to many health problems, including early death. Please provide an equal mix of standing height tables for working with laptops & books. Thank you. read more

This is a beautiful building! Hubby and I entered the library through the entrance joined with Selden Market. Upon entering we saw a copy room with some copiers and a long shelf showcasing local talent and public announcements. There's a section on the left with the words cuisine on the wall showing the way to cookbooks and such. The entrance facing Plume Street is made of glass allowing the light and height to show. We didn't even get to visit all the levels but we will make sure to do so very soon! read more

See all

This was my first time in this library. I went for an event. This library is beautiful. It is 6 stories high. They have a designated kids floor which I think is the 3rd floor. This place is huge!! You can have private events in a library! I never knew it. I love books and the feel of this library is very modern. It's also attached to Selden market. I will definitely be going back again. read more

Wow, state of the art library if I have to say so myself. This was our first visit but not our last. This library located downtown is an easy place to find and you can visit it amongst other places to sightsee in the area. 6 floors offering more then just books! Computers, games, private rooms, kids areas, adult and teen areas. An information desk is the first thing you see when you enter but one is also available on each floor. I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful when I asked various questions. Search for your book on tablets with the touch of your finger. These devices are at the end of the rows on each level. The architecture of the building and various modern statues, throughout make the inside very eye appealing. Not only are there books to borrow of course there are a lot events and activities available to the public. Art displays, game challenges, and other activities for all age ranges at different times of the day and the weekend included. We can't all have our local library like this so you might as well check out the fun opportunities available here and take advantage of it once and awhile. read more

See all

This is, by far, the coolest library in Hampton Roads. The postmodern architecture is a satisfying blend of old and new. The book collection is both deep and diverse. The children's section is well designed and great for young families. The computer labs are clean and well lit. The Creative Studios are top notch. Where else can you 3D print at a library? Check it out! read more

Slover has the best selection of books. The workers are always friendly and courteous to me. They always smile and let me know when my books are due. I highly recommend going online, reserving your favorites and browse the aisles when you pick up your reserved book. Brian C Bagans Norfolk VA read more

After seeing the reviews, we decided to take a Saturday morning to go down and check out the new digs at Slover Library. And what a great facility. You have to get down there and check it out. They have attached the new addition to the old building, which gives it a cool classic and modern feel at the same time. I like the concept of incorporating the old and the new. This is as good as it gets for a library, honestly. There are already some fantastic reviews here so I will keep it short and sweet. The place is six stories, plus a lower level, of awesome. Truly. Besides the regular library stuff, there are tons of extras. For the kids, there is a kids book and play area on the 2nd floor. On the 5th floor, there is a gaming room with XBox 1s and Wii U's. Very cool. For the adults, they offer a number of classes throughout the week. I have my eye on a genealogy class that they offer once a month. The entire north side of the building is glass on all levels, so you have some fantastic views of the city of Norfolk on whichever floor you find yourself. I can see going down there for a few hours to get some work done for a change of scenery. They have a cafe, too, so you can make a day of it! Definitely check it out because this is something about which the city of Norfolk can be very proud. read more

The Slover - View out the youth library wall of windows. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

See all

I have been wanting to go to this library ever since they announced their opening. This place is absolutely stunning! This place blows all the other libraries I've visited in Hampton roads out of the water. It is several stories high stacked with books, computer labs, private meeting areas, study areas (it was called the quiet room or something like that), "research areas" (kind of looks like what you see in the movies when lawyers go to the library researching 20+ books), and I probably didn't see everything. They definitely went for state of the art technology. The catalog system to search for books can be found on the outer outside edge of the bookshelf - it is touch screen. What it offers: It offers free wi-fi, but you will have to get information on how to connect. I had seen pictures of the library, and thought that they might hold events there. I called to ask if they hold weddings and receptions. They lady was very courteous and nice, she let me know they do and e-mailed info on who to contact. This library is a learning playground - it makes me want to go there and spend countless hours hanging out with books. read more

See all

Slover Library really is a blend of modern and new and offers something for everyone. As you wonder the multilevel library, you will see the transition between the different buildings that were combined to create this unique landmark. There is ample seating area, including a quiet study desk area located on the second floor, and outdoor seating that overlooks Downtown Norfolk. You can also utilize your library card to access the many computers and pay to utilize the printers. They also have a large book selection and the staff is extremely friendly and helpful. What won me over was probably their selection of cookbooks. It was heaven. read more

Loving a new library to explore. Oh, what's that? Is that a library book sale I spy. An investment in my entertainment! Exploring every floor and find a jelly pad that has on it projected pictures that recognizes the touch of our feet on the pad. After hours of delicious idleness, I find dear husband in the street level cafe. My darling bought me an El Guapo Stout. How happy am I ... read more

See all

The slover library is probably one of my favorite places to be in. One - the place is BEAUTIFUL. And there's a floor for everybody's interest. The space is so huge so if you come by to study or just get some alone time, there's going to be a place for you. Two - I'm a mother and I definitely love bringing my son to the 2nd floor aka the kid zone. A huge selection of books. One part of the floor is dedicated to mainly younger kids, and another part for the older kids. The younger kids section has a room with soft cushiony equipment (like a play gym) for babies - 3 yr olds. Right next door is a little section filled with toys. My son can stay there for hours if he could. The older kids section has a computer room. Three - it isn't just a place for books. They have events going on all the time. read more

This is a beautiful library that all patrons must visit, book lover or not. The architecture itself is worth checking out and they offer different exhibits on the first floor so it even feels like going to an exhibit. They even have a cafe and a nice patio on the top floor on sunny and pleasant days. My favorite part is the children's library and the diverse program they offer from babies to wanna be adults (aka teens). I went here for the 1-2-3 play group and my kids had a blast playing, singing and doing crafts. People pay for this type of program and it was totally free. There is also an indoor and pretend play playing area for young kids. If those things don't interest you, the book selection in the kids area is diverse and there are computers that you could use. The library has so many programs like ballet, phonics, STEAM, coding and cooking!!!! My boys even had a blast interacting with the screens on the floor and seeing all the pictures. We can't wait to be regular visitors. Parking is a bit tight but you can park at the mall or nearby parking structures. read more

I take my baby to the Slover Library for baby classes and they are all great. They have awesome activities for kids in the second floor. This library is always clean, organized and helpful. The staff are very nice and they always answer your questions and help you out. I just wish the receptionists were more attentive. For some reason they don't say hello when you get to the library. They'll be the first people you see when you get there, but they are looking at their phones or reading papers and never pay attention to who is coming. There are few parking spaces in front of the library but they are usually busy. I park at MacArthur mall and I know lot of people do the same. I pay $1 for 1-2 hours. I recommend this library. read more

This is my favorite library. And I rarely come here for books. Slover has two buildings-with something happening on each floor. The third floor has a computer room with only Mac computers. The fourth floor has a design studio complete with 3D printers. The 5th floor is the attraction...big screen TVs and gaming consoles. Computers, desks, programs all day long. This year, I'll try to make the chess club or coding class. Each visit here is about 3 hours. Come down. There is always something to do. read more

The Slover - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

See all

Excellent library. Aesthetically it knocks it out of the park perfectly blending historic and modern architecture. Lots of natural light and places to post up and work. The WiFi could be a bit faster, but it will do the job for most. Speaking of WiFi, logging in is free but slightly more complicated than doing so at your local coffee shop. Check out the pic for details. read more

The Slover - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Bad. Terrible customer service. No answer in 2 emails to employees. Mistakes made, eh? No work on their behalf to fix. Skip it and buy a used book. read more

Full disclosure: I've only been to this library for the kids area. But we love it! The interactive projection displays are really fun and interesting. The small kids play area is amazing with soft climbing equipment. The only downside is that the older kids still love the indoor "playground," so it can be overwhelming for kids under 3, for whom it is meant. I can't wait to bring my little one to the baby garten class in the future and maybe one day check out the other parts of the library for myself! read more

I took my son down on Saturday of the opening weekend. I wasn't expecting to be as positively floored as I was. Really: just absolutely incredible and it's all ours! The inner nerd nearly overcame my tired mom exterior and I had to pull myself together so I wouldn't be openly weeping. Not an exaggeration. We entered through the central lobby between the old and new buildings. Look up to be treated to an amazing metalwork sculpture 3 stories above you and climb the stairs or take the elevators for a closer view. The new addition is 6 stories, housing a small shop and a bistro on the first floor and a blissful children's area on the 2nd. The old Seaboard side of the library houses historical periodicals and all the new high-tech goo-gaws. The juxtaposition of all the technology with the historic library vibe is amazingly comforting. I can't even think about it without developing an inner "squeeeeee!!". Brave the crowds and go see a library packed with people. It's a beautiful thing and not at all to the Slover's detriment. I would hate to see such a fantastic facility go unused. read more

Excellent facility! I wish I had come here sooner. They have a great selection of books and a fantastic kids' play area. There is a separate room for birth-3yrs, complete with big foam structures for them to run around on. There are also play stations for bigger kids (learning stations, kitchen toys, make believe house, etc.). For adults, there are plenty of study areas, a cafe, a computer lab, WiFi, magazine area, and conference rooms. It's just a great way to spend a chill weekend afternoon. And if you're not a Norfolk resident, you can still get a card and check out books. It's just that the ebooks and audiobooks aren't free ($35 annual fee). But that's a super good deal if you find books that aren't available in any of the other nearby library systems. Definitely check it out if you have free time. It's a cool library! read more

See all

I had some time to spend at the end of a conference and was looking for a place to spend the afternoon getting some work done. The Slover library did not disappoint! It is a beautiful building with lots of light and plenty of spaces to work and read. I only wish they were open later than 5 pm. I could have stayed longer. High points Friendly staff Clean bathrooms Free WiFi (a little complicated to join but was speedy enough for checking email) Very pleasant reading room in the original building. Wonderful art in the lobby of the modern glass expansion read more