Virginia Beach Libraries Offer Far More Than Books, Staff Say as National Reading Month Begins

As National Reading Month begins in March, Virginia Beach Public Libraries are drawing attention to the range of services available beyond traditional book lending. According to library staff, a free library card opens the door to far more than shelves of novels.

Katie Cerqua, the system's Programming Community Outreach Manager, has worked for the Virginia Beach Public Library for 16 years. She described the library as "a resource for the entire community" and said libraries matter more now than they ever have.

Cerqua pointed to the Princess Anne Area Library, which runs what it calls a library of things. Visitors can borrow items such as a surfboard or various technology, allowing them to test something before deciding whether to buy it. "The library really lets you try something maybe new before you determine if it's something you want to explore more," she said.

Other offerings include gardening tools that can be borrowed alongside free seeds from the library's seed library, 3D printers for creating new objects, and a safe space for parents to spend time with their children. Cerqua also highlighted the social side of library programs. Attending one, she said, means meeting residents with similar interests, which can be a good way to make friends, particularly for new parents or adults new to the area.

Technology has not made libraries obsolete, according to Cerqua. In 2023, Virginia Beach libraries recorded more than 2 million physical and digital checkouts. She said print and digital services work "hand in hand," with many patrons now using the library in different ways than in the past. Books, movies and music can be downloaded, and virtual programming is available online.

Accessibility is another focus. Kaitlyn Hodges, a Disability Services Librarian, helps circulate materials to people with print disabilities, including vision loss and dyslexia. Among the newest items from the National Library Service for the Blind are Braille e-readers. Hodges also showed a Twin Vision Book, designed for children with vision impairments who read Braille. Each page carries Braille on one side and print and illustrations on the other, so a child can read aloud to a parent.

Hodges works alongside her service dog, Ren, and said the goal is to care for the whole community and leave no one out as best the library can.

On average, more than 17,000 people visit Virginia Beach libraries each week. Cerqua and Hodges said they aim to meet each of those visitors where they are. Everything the library offers is free, and Cerqua said the resources, technology and classes available may not be accessible to residents any other way. "It's just as relevant today, I think, as it's been ever," she said.

Residents can find more information about Virginia Beach Public Libraries on the system's website.