My first library visit was to the Varina Area Public Library. It’s my local library and I have been to it many times. However, it felt like I was seeing it with fresh eyes as I approached the visit with my Observation Guide in hand.

Digital Access:

https://www.henricolibrary.org/varina

I found the website to be welcoming, helpful and user friendly. There are links for using the library and its amenities, contacting a librarian, upcoming events, searching the catalog, and more. The website contains information that would be helpful for students (adults and children), families, individuals who speak other languages, etc. Most staff are not listed or pictured on the website, however, there is a link to contact the library manager. eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies and eMagazines are all available for downloading or streaming on the website. The Varina Area Public Library works collaboratively with the other public libraries in Henrico County. Many of the links, programs, collections, events and classes on the Varina website have connections to other locations. This is helpful for anyone who may be looking for something specific. If it is not available at the Varina Library, the website can guide you right to the appropriate location.

The Space & Physical Access:

The Varina Area Public Library is beautiful and comfortable. The Virginia Capital Trail runs right out front of the library so there are bicycle racks and a water bottle filling station in the parking lot. There are handicap spots available as well as drive through lanes for book drop off and pick up. Benches, chairs and stadium seating can all be found outside for reading, relaxing or lessons hosted by library staff. Hours are posted on the front door.

The library has enormous windows on all sides. This allows for tons of natural light inside as well as a glorious view of the woods surrounding three sides of the building. There are many, many different seating and working options available inside. Tables, couches, rocking chairs and study rooms only name a few! Computers are available for public use. The catalog was easily accessible on these computers. Free wifi is also available for individuals who bring their own devices to use.

Services & Intellectual Access:

My visit happened to coincide with Sensory Storytime for preschool aged children. This event took place outside the back door where the children could see the librarian as well as the Nature Trail. Storytime included a silly read aloud, dancing, singing and ukulele music (played by the librarian!). 

There are many other programs offered at the library. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized just how many classes are offered to assist individuals with improving their skills with technology. Some classes are offered to support novice learners (Computer Basics: Keyboard and Mouse) while others are for individuals with more sophisticated skills (coding, 3D printing and podcasting). On page 96 of the textbook, Rubin and Rubin (2020) define the digital divide  as “the gap between those who have access to, and can use, the internet and those without access or skills.” The Varina Area Public Library is working to close this gap. Rubin and Rubin (2020) also note that “in the twenty-first century, such knowledge is critical for success in education, finance, health, employment, and participation in a democratic society”. Again, the Varina Library is supporting the community by offering free training and access to technology to those who may not have these resources at home.

All rooms and shelves were clearly labeled. Other signs were posted with arrows pointing towards restrooms, elevators, stairs, exits, etc. Multiple displays had been created to showcase genres, authors, holidays, seasons, events, etc. 

People – Patrons & Staff:

The Varina Area Public Library has something for everyone! The children’s section is downstairs. Adult titles can be found upstairs. There was also a large room upstairs for teenage materials. Many study rooms and meeting rooms are available. These rooms come with different equipment to meet the needs of those using them. Some rooms had white boards and markers. Others had monitors mounted on the wall. Some rooms had soft seating and small side tables while others had large work tables and chairs. Pamphlets and flyers could be found to assist patrons with book selection, tax preparation, self care, English language learning, homework assistance, employment acquisition and much more!

Staff was available throughout the library to assist visitors. The circulation desk stayed busy throughout my visit. Librarians and public service associates were present and assisting clients in various locations upstairs and downstairs. I observed patrons receiving help with technology and book checkout as well as receiving information about upcoming family events. I took a few minutes to speak with the librarian in the children’s department. She was extremely helpful and eager to answer my questions. I also spoke with some of the staff upstairs in the adult section of the library. They were helpful, but not quite as energetically so.

Many different demographics were observed among patrons and staff during my visit. I saw people of various ages and races. Males and females were both employed by the library. Children and adults were using the library. It appeared that people were also using the library for different reasons. Some people appeared to be working or studying while others were clearly taking a more casual approach to their visit.

Collections:

The Varina Area Public Library boasts a large collection of materials for users. Books, DVDs, magazines, audiobooks and eBooks are all available. There are computers, iPads, copiers and scanners. Wifi jetpacks can be obtained from the library. I loved the “Book Club in a Bag” option where multiple copies of the same text can be checked out and taken home in a special bag for book club members.

Other:

I absolutely loved my visit to the Varina Area Public Library. As I mentioned before, this is my local library and I have been there many times. But my thought process and perspective was different this time. I felt like I was noticing details that I would not have picked up before entering this MLIS program. I loved all of the displays that were up to highlight various genres, events, holidays, themes or authors. I loved wandering around just looking at things and scribbling notes on my paper. I love how beautiful the facility is. The Encoding Space article (2020) makes an interesting point that I can completely identify with. Matthews and Soistmann put it this way in their section titled “How does this space make you feel?”: “People are not coming to libraries only to get work done; they also want an audience and to join the performance. They position themselves around other people who are working on their own assignments. We’re all in this together. It’s a shared effort. Being surrounded by other productive people is a powerful motivator.” Now, I recognize that not all library users are there to work. Many are there for pleasure. However, while my library visit was in fact enjoyable, I was there to get coursework done. Just being there felt like time well spent. It felt productive for me. I felt like I was among “my people.”

To wrap up, I want to share something cool that the children’s librarian mentioned to me. Fairfield Area Public Library is another branch within the Henrico County Public Library system. Several years ago librarians there noticed parents struggling to use library computers while also trying to hold their small children. So, when the library underwent renovation they requested a brand new type of study carrel that did not previously exist. It allows parents to work on one side while their child remains close in an attached playspace. They even named it the Fairfield Carrel! This new furniture has been a game changer for parents and has made the library space more user friendly for them! Check it out!

https://www.curbed.com/2022/01/parent-baby-desk-fairfield-library-carrel.html 

Resources

Henrico County Public Library: Varina Area Library. https://www.henricolibrary.org/varina 

Matthews, B. and Soistmann, L.A. (1 September 2020). Encoding space: Shaping learning environments that unlock human potential. American Libraries. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2020/09/01/encoding-space-library-design/ 

Rubin, R. E. and Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman.

Walker, A. (25 January 2022). Finally, a desk for working parents. Curbed. https://www.curbed.com/2022/01/parent-baby-desk-fairfield-library-carrel.html