Virginia Beach Public Library Fact Sheet
Fiscal Year 2010 - 2011
Overview
A community anchor for more than 50 years, Virginia Beach Public Library includes a central library, eight
area libraries, a law library and a bookmobile. Services include workforce development and job-search
support, small business resources, computer and technology classes, early childhood literacy classes
and local history archives. In addition to books in a variety of formats (print, audio and downloadable),
the library provides online research tools accessible from home or work, as well as movies, music, and a
variety of specialty collections. In fiscal year 2010, the library saw 1.82 million people through its doors,
1.68 million online visits, and 3.64 million items borrowed.
Facts & Figures
Population Served
437,994 residents (estimated)
Locations
10, including Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 8 area libraries
(Bayside, Great Neck, Kempsville, Oceanfront, Princess Anne, PungoBlackwater, South Rosemont, Windsor Woods) and Wahab Law Library
Coming in 2013, Tidewater Community College/City of Virginia Beach
Joint Use Library
Items in Collection
875,169
Registered Borrowers
204,523
Check Outs
3.64 million
In-person Visits
1.82 million
Website Hits
1.68 million
Help via Instant Message
1,301 sessions
Public Computer Usage
429,141 sessions
Public Computers
240
WiFi in all Libraries
70 users at a given moment (average)
Volunteers
814 people; 26,240 hours worked
Select Classes & Programs
Early Literacy Classes
60,526 attendees (age 0 - 5 with caregiver)
Based on Every Child Ready to Read® Curriculum
Summer Reading Program
12,748 participants (Children, teens, adults)
Tech Classes for Adults
165 participants
Job-Search Help
1,333 sessions/referrals
Data provided is for fiscal year 2010, from July 2010 to June 2011.
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Select Services & Resources
Downloadable eBooks, Audiobooks & Music
Fiction and nonfiction electronic books and audiobooks in downloadable formats compatible with most
computers and popular portable devices; downloadable songs in MP3 format
Online Research Tools
43 online resources that provide 24/7 access to thousands of newspapers, magazines, journals & full-text
documents, and more
Local History Archives
Electronic collection of Virginia Beach history, postcards, attractions, and more, available for browsing at
www.VBgov.com/LocalHistory
Job-Search Resources
Partnership with OppInc./Virginia Workforce Connection providing skills assessment, resume tips,
interview preparation and more, plus access to computers and Internet
Small Business Resources
Online tools, books, and more to help owners and entrepreneurs identify markets, create mailing lists,
research competitors, and learn about successful management practices
Specials Services for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
Talking books and Braille materials available for eligible residents from the National Library Service to the
Blind and Physically Handicapped, administered locally by Bayside & Special Services Library
Board & Support Organizations
Library Board
Appointed by City Council to two- to three-year terms; meets second Monday of the month
Friends of the Virginia Beach Public Library
Non-profit volunteer group that, through book sales and membership dues, funds library initiatives
including support for early literacy centers, local history digitization, and volunteer recognition
Teen Advisory Groups (TAG)
Teen volunteers who help create library programs and participate in community projects; in 2010, they
collected 773 lbs. of bottle caps in a “Kick the cap out of the ocean” campaign, raising awareness about
environmental hazards of discarded bottle caps
Virginia Beach Library Foundation
This non-profit organization comprised of business and civic leaders helps generate private sector dollars
to supplement library’s budget
Data provided is for fiscal year 2010, from July 2010 to June 2011.
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