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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!
BONUS INFO: Check out which local libraries are participating in Winter Reading Challenges (& Prizes)!
Chesapeake Public Library
Chesapeake Public Library: operating normally as of 1/14/21
If you have a library card in Chesapeake you can access online books, magazines, videos and more by using this link: https://chesapeakelibrary.org/
Hampton Public Library
From Hampton Public Library: Starting Wednesday, January 13, all Hampton Public Library locations will return to curbside service only.
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
Newport News Public Library
From Newport News Library: Out of an abundance of caution and due to the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases, NNPL will be closing all branches to the public beginning Monday, December 14th. We will continue to bring you a robust schedule of virtual programming, curbside service, and many online resources and digital items!
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 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.
Norfolk Public Library
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: The library building is now open to the public, with some limitations. Wearing a facial covering is strongly encouraged while visiting any municipal building in the City. To assist those who may not have or may have forgotten their own, disposable masks and hand sanitizer are provided. Curbside pickup is available from 10:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday. The library offers computer access (with a one hour limit), notary and passport services by appointment. Please call 757-868-3060 to make an appointment. Meeting and study rooms are not available at this time.
Check out their Take and Make Kits for kids!
Portsmouth Public Library
From Portsmouth Public Library: We have certainly missed all our patrons, and have been working diligently to bring you curbside service! Our first priority is the safety of our patrons and staff, so all pickups are designed to be contactless. Should you wish to place a hold on an item please click here. Once your hold is ready, you'll be notified and you can call to schedule your appointment. Should you have reference questions, please feel free to give us a call during our open hours. Churchland & Main will have appointment times available Monday - Friday 10 am - 4 pm Manor & Cradock will have appointment times available Tuesday - Thursday from 10 am - 4 pm.
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: (update 12/14/20) Morgan Memorial Library and North Suffolk Library will be open for technology use only (limited to one hour per day): Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Curbside pickup service will continue to be available at Morgan Memorial Library and North Suffolk Library: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Curbside pickup service at Chuckatuck Library: Thursday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Subject to change due to weather. 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)
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
Virginia Beach Public Library
From Virginia Beach Public Library: (Updated 1/14/2021)
- Bayside: Lobby and drive-up services and by phone: 757- 385-2680
- Central: Lobby services
- Great Neck: Lobby services
- Joint-Use Library: See Locations and Hours page for details
- Kempsville: Lobby services
- Oceanfront: Lobby and drive-up services
- Princess Anne: Lobby and drive-up services
- Pungo-Blackwater: Lobby services
- Wahab Public Law Library: Lobby services
- Windsor Woods: Lobby services
York County Public Library
From York County Public Library: (Updated 11/2/2020)
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
Williamsburg Regional Library
From Williamsburg Regional Library: (Updated 1/13/2021)
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/
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
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Looking for local family fun? Be sure to check out our lists of Activities, Athletics, Resources and of course our Daily Calendar of FUN in Hampton Roads!
