{"id":355,"date":"2022-04-03T22:14:48","date_gmt":"2022-04-03T22:14:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/?p=355"},"modified":"2022-04-03T22:17:49","modified_gmt":"2022-04-03T22:17:49","slug":"mary-d-pretlow-anchor-branch-library-public-library-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/2022\/04\/03\/mary-d-pretlow-anchor-branch-library-public-library-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library &#8212; Public Library Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-357\" width=\"496\" height=\"330\" \/><figcaption>Aerial view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Space<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have always loved this library, not only for it&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P4-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"359\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P4-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/?attachment_id=359\" class=\"wp-image-359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P4-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P4-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P4-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P4-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P4-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P4-630x840.jpg 630w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P4-960x1280.jpg 960w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P4-scaled.jpg 1922w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Fiction stacks<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P1-1-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"358\" class=\"wp-image-358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P1-1-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P1-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P1-1-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P1-1-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P1-1-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P1-1-630x840.jpg 630w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P1-1-960x1280.jpg 960w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P1-1-scaled.jpg 1922w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">View from circulation desk<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Digital Access<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 &#8212; 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&#8217;s the link:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org\/about-npl\/hours-locations\/mary-d-pretlow-anchor-branch\" target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"nofollow\" >https:\/\/www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org\/as bout-npl\/hours-locations\/mary-d-pretlow-anchor-branch<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Services and people<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My favorite part of the library is the children&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P9-1-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"361\" class=\"wp-image-361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P9-1-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P9-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P9-1-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P9-1-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P9-1-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P9-1-630x840.jpg 630w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P9-1-960x1280.jpg 960w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P9-1-scaled.jpg 1922w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Stairs leading to children&#8217;s library<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P7-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"362\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P7-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/?attachment_id=362\" class=\"wp-image-362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P7-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P7-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P7-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P7-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P7-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P7-630x840.jpg 630w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P7-960x1280.jpg 960w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P7-scaled.jpg 1922w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Books in Spanish!!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Collections<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pretlow used to house the Sargeant Memorial Collection <a href=\"http:\/\/sargeant%20memorial%20collection\/\" target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"nofollow\" >http:\/\/Sargeant Memorial Collection<\/a>, 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. <a href=\"https:\/\/ocean-view-station-museum.business.site\/\" target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"nofollow\" >https:\/\/ocean-view-station-museum.business.site\/<\/a>. The library is working on creating a makerspace to further engage the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8211;everyone, regardless of age, sex, religion, disability, or socio-economic status is welcome here.  The former assistant branch manager (she&#8217;s now running a bookmobile in Massachusetts) encouraged me to pursue my MLIS and return to Pretlow&#8211;I might do just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P5-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-363\" width=\"428\" height=\"569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P5-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P5-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P5-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P5-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P5-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28438\/2022\/04\/P5-scaled.jpg 1922w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 428px) 100vw, 428px\" \/><figcaption>One of the library assistants, also named Leslie, is the Queen of Displays!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;s location across the street from the Chesapeake Bay in the Ocean View neighborhood of&#8230; <\/p>\n<div class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/2022\/04\/03\/mary-d-pretlow-anchor-branch-library-public-library-visit\/\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":23403,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wds_primary_category":0},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/355"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23403"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=355"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/355\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":364,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/355\/revisions\/364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=355"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/mlis-lfort009\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}