I visited the Mary B. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library in Norfolk. Pretlow is one of three anchor branches in the city, and I worked there briefly as a circulation assistant.
Space
I have always loved this library, not only for it’s location across the street from the Chesapeake Bay in the Ocean View neighborhood of Norfolk, but also because of its physical layout. When you first enter, there is a large, beautifully-lit foyer that leads to meeting rooms, snack machines, restrooms, and the Ocean View Museum Station (more on that later). It is a huge building, but the stacks are easily accessible, with separate areas for fiction, non-fiction, audio-visual media, and large-print books. There dedicated stacks for young adult literature, graphic novels, and manga. To the left of the circulation desk, there is a computer lab for adults, and there are multiple reading and study areas throughout the main floor.
Fiction stacks 
View from circulation desk
Digital Access
Like all of the libraries in Norfolk, Pretlow has its own page as part of the Norfolk Public Libraries website. From this page you can read the biography of the individual for whom the library was named — Mary D. Pretlow, as well as learn what programs are being held, the hours of operation for the library, and directions to get to the library. Here’s the link: https://www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org/as bout-npl/hours-locations/mary-d-pretlow-anchor-branch. The library page has a banner which maintains static links with drop-down menus to NPL events, the library catalogue, databases, patron account access, frequently asked questions, and information on how to contact library staff. The site is incredibly easy to use. Because of the static links, patrons are able to search for anything the need, even if Pretlow does not provide the program or have a book at its location.
Services and people
As a public library, Pretlow is open to everyone. The neighborhood in which it is located is incredibly diverse-racially and socio-economically-with patrons who are homeless and those who live in multi-million dollar homes. Residents from a nearby group-home for intellectually challenged adults frequently use the library’s computer lab to search for jobs and apply for benefits. When I worked at the library, I often helped non-English speakers navigate the library catalogue and helped them use the computers, printers, and copiers. Patrons are limited to two-hour windows for computer access to ensure that others can use the facilities. Despite the fact that there is an armed security guard on the premises at all times, library staff are welcoming and are loathe to have anyone removed from the library.
There are several library assistants, circulation assistants, and computer aides on staff; however, there are only three individuals who have MLIS degrees. Those individuals handle reference questions and also act as the branch manager and assistant branch manager.
My favorite part of the library is the children’s section. This area encompasses the entire second floor of the library and is accessed either by stairs or by elevator. Here, children not only have their own computer room and play area, but they have access to books, magazines, and videos that are all child-friendly and appropriate, as well as programming areas. There is a separate circulation desk for this area and more meeting rooms.
Stairs leading to children’s library 
Books in Spanish!!
Collections
Pretlow used to house the Sargeant Memorial Collection http://Sargeant Memorial Collection, however this special collection of Virginia genealogy is now housed at the Slover library. Connected to the library is the Ocean View Station Museum which is a collection of historical documents, images, and other memorabilia dedicated to the history of the Ocean View area of Norfolk. https://ocean-view-station-museum.business.site/. The library is working on creating a makerspace to further engage the community.
Final Thoughts
As I stated earlier, Pretlow is one of my favorite libraries. I love the diversity of the area, the staff, and its collection. This library truly serves its community–everyone, regardless of age, sex, religion, disability, or socio-economic status is welcome here. The former assistant branch manager (she’s now running a bookmobile in Massachusetts) encouraged me to pursue my MLIS and return to Pretlow–I might do just that.
I really like how they set up the children’s area as well! Just looking at the stairs that lead to the children’s library with the decorations on the wall makes it welcoming for children to have the idea that libraries welcome everyone! It’s great that the library serves everyone in the community and I hope that a lot of libraries continue and start to do that.
Hi Leslie, this was such a joy to read! Your affection for the Pretlow Anchor Branch comes through loud and clear, and for great reason — this really does look and sound like such a beautiful, welcoming library. It sounds like the staff does a wonderful job of enacting policies and designing spaces that are accessible and useful to its diverse array of patrons. I do hope you return there to Pretlow with your MLIS in hand! Thanks for sharing a bit about this special place.
Hi Leslie. This library seems so welcoming and modern. The displays are wonderful. I like the signs pointing out the Spanish books. It helps highlight them for the patrons who need them or want them. The children’s section must be very large if it takes up the entire second floor!
Leslie, I will have to visit this library the next time I am in the area. It looks very bright and inviting. The children’s area looks even more welcoming and I am sure the children enjoy their time visiting. I really like the architecture of this building because it reminds me of the beach. Our local public library is an old brick building. so this is a nice change.
Leslie, thank you for this trip into the Pretlow Library. The children’s area looks great! I loved how the whole second floor is dedicated to children. I also loved the inclusiveness to the library. There seems to be many choices for those who speak Spanish as their first language as well as accommodations for those with disabilities. 🙂