Under Renovation

While exact start dates are not yet available, renovations are expected to begin in December at four Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) locations: Bayside & Special Services Library, Kempsville Area Library, Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library and Princess Anne Area Library. Due to the type and scope of renovations at Kempsville and Princess Anne, the buildings will close during construction, while Bayside & Special Services and the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library will remain open.

The renovations are funded by a $5.8 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) awarded in 2016 to renovate eight of 10 VBPL branches, all except for the TCC/City Joint-Use Library, which opened in 2013, and the Wahab Public Law Library, where renovations were completed in January 2018. The remaining four libraries, Great Neck, Oceanfront, Pungo-Blackwater and Windsor Woods, are expected to begin renovations in 2019.

During the Kempsville and Princess Anne closures, which could be up to six months, customers are encouraged to visit other VBPL branches for full library service. VBPL staff is exploring options with community partners in order to provide temporary spaces for customers to pick up holds, return materials and attend programs during the building closures. Customers may also visit VBPL's digital library for around the clock access to e-books, music downloads and more at the Digital Library.

As all four locations prepare for renovations, customers may notice impacts immediately, even at the branches that are remaining open:

  • No programs will be offered at Kempsville as of Dec. 1, 2018 or at Princess Anne as of Dec. 10, 2018; customers may find options at other branches by visiting the library event calendar.
  • Some books and materials may be temporarily unavailable as they may be moved, covered or stored.
  • Meeting rooms at Central, Kempsville and Princess Anne libraries are not available at this time.
  • Kempsville and Princess Anne libraries are not able to accept donations of used books at this time; residents are asked to take their gently used materials to any other VBPL branch.
  • Friends of VBPL Book Nooks at Kempsville and Princess Anne are offering "priced to go" sales on gently used books and materials. 

Additional details will be shared as soon as they are available.

 Bayside & Special Services
​Construction is expected to begin on December 19 and may take up to six months for completion. The library will remain open during renovations; however, please pardon the dust, noise and occassional limited access to particular areas of the library while under construction.

What's being done?

  • New, dedicated storytime room
  • Dedicated space to assist Special Services customers with talking book machines and assistive devices. 
  • Improved lighting

Architect: Waller, Todd & Sadler Architects

Contractor: L4 Enterprises

Last construction date: Current building was constructed in 2005, though a Bayside branch has existed for more than 50 years. 

 Kempsville
The Kempsville Area Library will be closed for renovations beginning January 2. While the library is closed, VBPL will offer limited services with a "Kempsville Express Library" at the City Treasurer's office located in the Fairfield Shopping Center across the street from the library building; see details below. 

What's being done?

  • New public service desk featuring 3 full-service stations at the entrance of the building.
  • New public and staff restrooms.
  • New seating in the public areas.
  • New end panels on all shelving.
  • Enclosed children's room that contains the picture and beginner book collection; a staff-assisted service desk; educational, activity and technology focused workstations and child-sized tables and chairs. 
  • An increase from two public study rooms to one medium sized and two small study rooms.
  • New staff workroom with collaborative workspaces and updated workstations.

Architect: Waller, Todd & Sadler Architects

Contractor: Tidewater Development Services Corp.

Last renovation: 2009

Alternative Service - Kempsville Express Library

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday & Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., no Sundays 

Contact: (757) 385 - 2627 

Services: holds pickups, library card registrations, fine & fee payments and phone assistance. The Kempsville Express Library will not be able to accept material returns or offer Inter Library Loan, public internet or copier services. Please return library materials to any library location except for Princess Anne Library, which will also be closing for renovation. 

Programming: VBPL is working with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation department to secure space to offer limited programming at the Kempsville Recreation Center. Visit www.VBgov.com/library-events to find dates, times and locations. 

Contact Information