COVID FAQ Page (Updated 9/17/2020)

When are libraries open to the public? Bayside, Central, Great Neck, Kempsville, Oceanfront, Princess Anne and Windsor Woods libraries are open Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for limited services. Wahab Public Law Library is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. 

Limited services include browsing and checking out items, accessing computers and printers and applying for library cards. 

Pungo-Blackwater Library is closed for renovations. The TCC/City Joint-Use Library remains closed until further notice, but holds pickup is available on-site. All dates and services are subject to change

How can we reach the library with questions? Email library@vbgov.com, call our reference staff at 385-0150, or visit our locations page to reach any branch. 

 COVID Practices

Am I required to wear a mask when visiting the library? 
Yes, customers and staff are required to wear masks inside VBPL buildings.

Why are library visits limited to one hour?
Customer visits are limited to one hour at a time in order to ensure proper social distancing and that as many residents as possible may access the library.  

What safety precautions are being implemented in libraries? 
VBPL is following guidelines established by the City of Virginia Beach, the State of Virginia and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in order to ensure the safest possible environment for staff and customers: 

• Limited numbers of people will be admitted in the libraries at a time, based on building size.
• Customers will be asked to keep visits to one hour to maximize access for all residents.
• Staff and customers must wear masks inside libraries.
• Signs and decals will reiterate CDC guidelines for social distancing and hand washing.
• Spaces and furnishings inside the libraries may be unavailable, including some children's rooms and spaces.
• Aisles and pathways in the buildings may be marked for one-way travel.
• Sneeze guards are being added at customer service stations.
• Increased cleaning and sanitizing practices are being implemented.

​How does VBPL care for the materials when they are returned, and how should I care for them at home? 
Use the guide attached to learn about the care of our materials.  Caring for Library Materials.jpg

 Holds & Checkouts
​Are you offering holds pick up services? 
You can pick up holds at any of our open locations or in the lobby at Great Neck, Joint-Use, Oceanfront, Pungo-Blackwater and Windsor Woods. Because of our materials quarantine process, you may temporarily see items on your account as "available", but please do not go to the library until you get an email, text or phone notice from VBPL that your holds are ready.

Are you offering Inter-Library Loans? 
Yes, VBPL is offering Inter-Library Loans during our current phase. 

 Library Cards
​How do I apply for a new library card? 
Virginia Beach residents may come in to any open VBPL branch and apply for a new card. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of your current address. Here are more details on requirements. You may also call 757-385-0150 for a temporary, digital-only account. 
How do I renew my library card? 
You may come in to any open VBPL branch to renew your library card, or call 757-385-0150 to renew your card over the phone. 
Will Virginia Beach City Public School students still have access to the digital library?  
VBCPS student accounts remain active. Learn more about accessing student accounts. 

 Other Services
​Are you accepting material donations? 
No, libraries are unable to accept donated materials until further notice.

Is AARP offering tax aide at Central Library?
No, the AARP Tax Aide service at Central Library is finished for this season.

Does VBPL have tax forms and booklets available? 
Yes, tax forms and booklets are available while supplies last at the 5 branches that are open (except Wahab Public Law Library), and during lobby service hours at the branches that will open in the future (TBD). 

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

Are you offering notary services? 
We are not offering notary appointments at this time. 

Can I reserve a meeting room? 
VBPL is not accepting new meeting room reservations until further notice.

Is the Seed Library at Central Library available?
No. the Seed Library is unavailable at this time.

​See below for more information on COVID-19:

Virginia Beach COVID-19 Emergency Page
Contact Information