​FAQs related to extended closure – updated 4/2​​/20

How can we reach the library with questions? Call Central Library's information services team at 757-385-0150 or email: library@vbgov.com between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Wahab Public Law Library staff is offering telephone reference at 757-385-4419.  WPLL Staff will also serve customers via our "Ask the Law Library​" page, as they are able.

Special Services for the Blind and Print Disabled may be reached at 757-385-2684.

Are you offering programming?  In-person programming is discontinued during our closure; however, we are offering some virtual programs and activities. For details 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.

Am I able to return the materials I have checked out? VBPL is no longer accepting returns during our closure. Our automated return systems are closed. Please keep the items and return them when we reopen.

Are you offering service through your drive-up windows or "curbside" services? Sorry, VBPL is not providing these in-person services as safety is our first priority, for customers and staff. Our drive-up windows do not provide a distance of at least six feet between staff and customers in their vehicles, which poses a risk for contracting the virus. We also do not know with certainty how long the virus may live on books and materials. For these reasons, we are not opening the drive up windows or offering curbside services.​

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.

Will my holds be available when you reopen?   Yes, your holds will be available.

Am I able to place holds while you are closed? VBPL has suspended the ability for customers to place holds on physical materials. While you can't place holds right now, you can still maintain a list of titles that you would like to hold later using the online catalog. Choose "Select an Action," then "Add to My Lists." At the top of the page by the "My Account" link, you will see titles saved in "My Lists." You may also choose to moderate the timing of holds on your account using the "Suspend Holds" option.

Will I be charged a fee for not picking up holds during the closure? No, the $1 hold expiration fee will be removed during this time.

What if my library card expires during the closure? Library cards will automatically renew for two-week periods as needed during our closure.

Are you offering Inter-Library Loans? No, VBPL is unable to offer inter-library loans right now.

Is AARP offering tax aide at Central Library during this time? The AARP Tax Aide service at Central Library is suspended during this time. AARP expects to offer it again when our buildings are open.

Is the Friends of Virginia Beach Library bookstore open? No, The Friends of Virginia Beach Public Library Book Shop at Central Library is closed.

Can I drop off donated materials during the closure? No, libraries are unable to accept donated materials until further notice.

Can I reserve a meeting room?  VBPL is not accepting new meeting room reservations. Existing reservations through June 10 are cancelled. Affected customers will be contacted by staff. Reservations for July through December will open on June 1. Central Library is only accepting reservations for the auditorium, due to maintenance in the Libris and Folio rooms.

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​See below for more information on COVID-19: