I chose to visit Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This is one out of ten library branches in the city of Virginia Beach. Digital access to this library is comprehensive and easy to navigate. The website allows you to search the catalog, look up programs, community events and resources, connect with the staff members via phone and email, and so much more. The public can access the website but must log in to an account to check out items. Everything you need to know about the library, its book collections, ebooks, audiobooks, programs, disability services, and databases are all on the website. 

The staff for all of Virginia Beach Public Libraries include an administrative/leadership team, a variety of coordinators, and branch managers for each branch. Additionally, each library is staffed based on its size. As a public school teacher,  I was most interested in the different coordinators working for the libraries such as the youth coordinator and community outreach coordinator. I would love to know more about their role and everyday responsibilities. 

The branch I visited is a very large two story building. The parking lot is large and accommodating with handicap access. It is very inviting when you enter the building with a variety of displays to look at as soon as you walk in. The main level is filled with a variety of spaces such as large meeting rooms, small and enclosed study rooms, leisure reading/comfortable seating, and several public computers. There is also a small auditorium open for public use. The main level also has a large children’s and young adult/teen area separated from the adult books. This space is welcoming and kid friendly. The second floor of the library housed the archive section as well as several books on local history. 

“Most public libraries today state their mission simply as striving to meet the educational, informational, recreational, and cultural needs of their communities” (Rubin and Rubin, 2020). This library has a variety of programs from early childhood to adulthood and everything in between. This includes kids summer reading programs, teen camp activities, community book clubs, writing classes, technology education and so much more. It’s clear that this library is doing all that it can to meet the needs of its community. “American public libraries remain strong because they have adapted to the fluid technological, social, and economic conditions of the twenty-first century” (Rubin and Rubin 2020). This felt especially true in this library with a lot of technology evident throughout the entire space. Computers, 3D printers, wireless printing, microfilm and microfiche machines could be found on both levels of the library. There were also displays featuring LGBTQ books and authors. 

On the day of my visit, the library was bustling with patrons of all ages and ethnicities. It is spacious and accommodating to patrons with special needs, even providing scooters for those who may need assistance getting around. It is definitely a place for everyone. As I became more familiar with everything the library had to offer to the community, I did find myself wondering how aware people are of what the library has to offer. I feel so lucky to have these resources right in my neighborhood but also worry that these opportunities are not being taken advantage of. 

Reference:

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

City of Virginia Beach. (2017). Virginia Beach Public Library. https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/libraries/Pages/home.aspx