One library art program inspires strokes of genius!

I have been exploring with acrylic paints but couldn't find what I really enjoyed painting until I took an evening class at Oceanfront Library, hosted by Mia Guile, an abstract artist. She got us to color with words and feeling. It changed my way of painting and I discovered what I truly love to paint. I now consider myself as an abstract artist. And I'm loving this new adventure! So happy the library had this event. Thank you Mia and VBPL!

-Carol M.

To find programs for all ages and interests visit VirginiaBeach.gov/library-events.

We had a ball on the beach for Mother’s Day!

Our daughter checked out the bocce ball set from the Library of Things at the Princess Anne Library. We took the set to the beach on Mother's Day and had a blast playing the game for the first time with my parents. Thanks VBPL for making our Mother's Day!

-Peyton R.

Family fun among the pages, programs and plants

I could go on and on about how Virginia Beach Public Library has been such an amazing resource for our family. We love going to the library programs for our youngest, we check out books every week, order e-books online for everyone in the family, and have really enjoyed the plant swap at the Princess Anne library. We are constantly telling people we know about all the things the library offers; it’s so much more than checking out books. VBPL is an amazing asset for us and the community!

-Lindsay Q.

Making deadlines thanks to library study rooms

I was able to complete writing and a great portion of the edits of my first published novel, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (written under my pen name Claire Hamilton) at the Joint-Use Library (JUL), using the study rooms that are available to the public. I often wonder if I would have been able to make my deadline without this invaluable resource. I quickly found two rooms that became my favorites where I could work with the quiet and solitude that all authors crave. Today I still return to the JUL as I am now researching for my next novel. Once I enter the writing phase, I will be back in one of those two rooms, dragging my wheeled book bag behind me, with a smile on my face. I am so thankful VBPL has this resource available to me, and the community.

-Cherie B.

Forecast: Showers of goodies for new parents!

Recently, VBPL hosted a community baby shower at Central Library and this was such an awesome program; I'm so glad I went! I felt much more informed and confident about how to help my little girl with reading and learning when she arrives next month after their Stork Storytime presentation. The local organizations that set up booths with useful information and resources that are available to new and expecting parents and caregivers were appreciated. The Elk Lodge was so generous with the free diapers, pacifiers and wipes. I can't thank them enough. I'm excited that I already have some books to get us started for lifelong reading. Our library system is such an invaluable resource for our community. Thank you VBPL!

-Candace L.

Calling young readers: This hour’s for you!

My son, William, participated in a One Hour with a Youth Librarian session at the Central Library. He had a great time! He walked away with some new books and more knowledge on how to find books for himself at the library. The youth librarian also took time to read with him. I walked away with more insight into my son's reading level and interests. We have already signed up for our second session! I would encourage all parents to take advantage of this great opportunity for young readers.

-Rachel H.

For info on One Hour with a Youth Librarian, please call (757) 385-0150 or email library@vbgov.com.

Reading, gaming and snuggling at VBPL

Our family enjoyed a nice calm day exploring the Princess Anne Library — from taking time to snuggle with Ivan, the cozy gorilla in the children’s section, to reading some fiction books to see if they were “good fit books” before we checked them out. We even discovered the teen’s section had a great spot to play chess and other games!

-Morgan W.

Ms. Morgan's got the right moves!

I went to the Oceanfront library and the instructor for the preschool students knocked it out of the park! Ms. Morgan has those teaching gifts that not all teachers have. The program on numbers was fantastic and included books, puppets, songs, bubbles and a number craft.

-Debbie H.