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Hampton Roads is full of public library locations which are fantastic resources for families. You may be used to going to storytime classes, coding workshops or other programs with your kids, but most of these events are on hold as the entire community focuses on increasing social distancing and decreasing the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Here is a roundup of the local libraries, their current policies/response to COVID-19 and links to their online content.
There are some GREAT learning tools and entertainment resources that can be accessed at home on your devices for FREE with just your library card! Enjoy!
Chesapeake Public Library
From Chesapeake Public Library: Our buildings will remain closed to the public until further notice. Chesapeake’s libraries will continue to provide essential services. Craft to Go kits and FOL books will no longer be available, but our other curbside services such as printing, faxing and picking up holds remain possible.
If you have a library card in Chesapeake you can access online books, magazines, videos and more by using this link: http://infopeake.org/read-listen-watch
update May 20:
Hampton Public Library
From Hampton Public Library: All Hampton Public Library locations will be closed to the public starting today, Monday, March 16. All library programs that were scheduled to take place during the next month are cancelled. However, we are just a phone call away if you need help renewing your books or have an information request for your preferred location, for our Reference Department, or a research request for our Special Collections Department. Please do not worry--we will not be charging fines during this period.
Here are some phone numbers that might help you:
Main Library Children's Services: 757-727-1157
Main Library Circulation: 757-727-1154
Main Library Reference: 757-727-1312
Main Library Special Collections: 757-727-1314
Northampton Branch Library: 757-825-4558
Phoebus Branch Library: 757-727-1149
Willow Oaks Branch Library: 757-850-5114
If you have a Hampton Library Card you can access online books and magazines here: https://hampton.gov/2040/E-Books and be sure to check out the full list of online resources available (including movie streaming) here: https://hampton.gov/2017/Online-Resources
update:
Newport News Public Library
As of Sunday, March 15th, all branches of the Newport News Public Library are closed until further notice. All programs that are scheduled during this time have also been cancelled. You may continue to use all of the great online resources that NNPL has to offer.
This includes access to our virtual collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, online training, and streaming movies, TV, and music. If you don’t have a Library card you can apply for an E-Membership online to get instant access to our virtual collection. Just click on the Get an E-Card link. If you have materials that are due back, you may continue to drop them off using the outside book drops. But if can’t make it to the Library, fines will be waived through May 4th, 2020. (see link for details).
If you have a Newport News Library Card you can access ebooks, e-magazines, audiobooks and streaming movies/music here: https://library.nnva.gov/101/Stream-Download
Norfolk Public Library
The Norfolk Public Library is closed until further notice. For library questions, visit http://bit.ly/NPLclosures.
If you have a Norfolk Library Card you can access online books, magazines, videos, audiobooks, music and learning tools online here: https://www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org/books-more
The Norfolk Public Library is also Live Streaming some storytime events on their Facebook Page!
Poquoson Public Library
From Poquoson Public Library: Consistent with Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53, and in consultation with our surrounding jurisdictions, the City of Poquoson will continue to keep its facilities closed to the public through Thursday, April 23rd. All library due dates during the closing have been delayed until April 24th and library fines will not accrue while we are closed. The book drop is still open 24/7. Library staff are still available by phone M-F 9am-5pm at 757-868-3060 and via email library@poquoson-va.gov. We are taking library card applications by phone for the use of our digital resources, including ebooks and e-audiobooks from Overdrive and RB Digital and streaming movies and TV shows via RB Digital. Give us a call if you need assistance with any of our online resources.
update 3/25: Online materials include available include Universal Quest (free online classes) Heritage Quest (free online geneology research), Online World Book content (includes Early World of Learning, Discover, and ebooks).
update 5/10:
Portsmouth Public Library
From Portsmouth Public Library: A reminder that all Portsmouth Public Library locations are closed, along with other city offices, thru March 30th. No fines on materials will accrue while we're closed and our digital offerings will still be available here (checkout limits have been increased): https://www.portsmouthpubliclibrary.org/172/E-Books-and-Magazines
If you have a Portsmouth Library Card you can access movies, TV shows, full music albums, e-books, e-audiobooks and comic books here: https://www.portsmouthpubliclibrary.org/172/E-Books-and-Magazines
Portsmouth Public Library is also hosting some storytime events on their Facebook Page!
Suffolk Public Library
Suffolk Public Library locations will be closed to the public from Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice. Updates available here: https://www.suffolkpubliclibrary.com/321/COVID
If you have a Suffolk Library Card you can access ebooks, audiobooks, e-magazines, stream music, movies and TV shows here: https://www.suffolkpubliclibrary.com/178/eBooks-More if you don't have a library card you can call and sign up for a library card over the phone to get instant access to digital materials (757-514-7323 M-F, 9am-5pm)
Online Content:
The Suffolk Public Library has kicked off their first round of virtual classes and events with Storytime Rhymes & More with Mrs. April. Additional events are scheduled throughout the day, and this information is also posted to both their Facebook page and their YouTube channel.
YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpkh_vhPHfCzYyztYx0psTJ8j0UD8bS-8
The Library is also offering assistance to citizens by phone at 757-514-7323, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and online through an Ask Us form. Information is available at https://suffolk.formstack.com/forms/ask_us
update 3/25:
Virginia Beach Public Library
From Virginia Beach Public Library: Virginia Beach Public Library locations are closed until further notice to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
New Update 6/3: As of Monday, June 8 customers may return books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs to the automated drops at the Bayside, Central, Great Neck, Kempsville, Oceanfront, Princess Anne and TCC/City Joint-Use library locations.
Several updates are listed below, for the full list of updates and resources available visit: https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/libraries/about-us/news/Pages/Library-COVID_19_Info.aspx
Are you offering programming? Our programming team is offering some virtual programs now and investigating options for providing more. For updates and additional information, please visit our website at www.vbgov.com/libraries and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Are we able to use the digital library during this time? Yes, VBPL's digital content is available 24/7 at www.vbgov.com/digital-library.
- VBPL has added new streaming video and online class content to the Digital Library available at www.VBgov.com/digital-library
- VBPL has temporarily increased access to digital content for Hoopla (10 items vs 6) and Overdrive (10 items vs 5)
Will Virginia Beach City Public School students still have access to the digital library? Yes, VBCPS students accounts will have the same access as usual. Find full details here.
How do I apply for a new card while you are closed? Virginia Beach residents may call 757-385-0150. You will need to provide a Virginia Beach address. You'll receive a temporary, digital-only account. Our digital collection will be available within one hour of registration. Your account will expire when we reopen, and you come in for a full access card.
Will I incur late fees for items not returned during the closure? No, you will not incur late fees; dates for physical items will continue to be extended as needed.
York County Public Library
From York County Public Library: In order to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19, York County Public Library has decided to cancel all library-sponsored events, including storytimes, workshops and classes, through April 30, 2020.
If you have a York County Public Library you can access online resources including ebooks, audiobooks, music, movies and more here: https://www.yorkcounty.gov/698/Digital-Collections
- Got a question for a librarian? Digital collection assistance, library website questions, eBook troubleshooting…whatever the question, “Ask-A-Librarian.” Link is available at www.yorkcounty.gov/library or directly at www.surveymonkey.com/r/YCPLAskaLibrarian.
- The library is continuing its Live Stream Story Time on Facebook on Wednesday, March 25, at 10:30 a.m. suited for children ages 1.5 to 6 years old. On Facebook, visit @yorkcountypubliclibrary.
update May 29:
Williamsburg Regional Library
From Williamsburg Regional Library: James City County and The City of Williamsburg have declared a local emergency and closed all city and county buildings until further notice. This includes all library locations.
During the time that the library is closed, we will be extending due dates and hold pickup dates and waiving all fines and fees accrued during the closure.
If you have a Williamsburg Library Card you can access online resources here including ebooks, audiobooks, music, movies and more here: https://www.wrl.org/downloads/
update June 2:
Military Families
If you are a Navy, Marine Corps, or US Coast Guard Family be sure to check out their online library system here: https://www.navymwrdigitallibrary.org/. This service is open to Active Duty, retired, and Reservist members (and dependents), Civilians and Non-Appropriated Fund Employees, and Contractors if eligible for MWR privileges.
Other services have online library services available as well, more information can be found on these links:
- Army: http://mwrlibrary.armybiznet.com
- Air Force: https://www.my.af.mil/
- DoD service members & families: MilitaryOneSource.mil
- Marines: Additional resources for Marines are also available here: https://mccs.ent.sirsi.net
Military Families, check out your local Summer Reading Programs for Military Families in Hampton Roads!
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