VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Here at News 3, we are kicking off National Reading Month by highlighting the importance of reading and libraries.
There’s something for everyone at your local library. At Virginia Beach Public Libraries, you can check out so much more than just books.
And all you need is a library card!
I didn’t have one, so I went to the Virginia Beach Central Library to get one. I spoke to some folks with the library who showed me all the cool things I’ll now be able to do with it.
“It's really a resource for the entire community,” said Katie Cerqua, the Virginia Beach Public Library Programming Community Outreach Manager.
Cerqua has worked with the Virginia Beach Public Library for the past 16 years.
She tells me libraries are more important now than they’ve ever been before.
Black History Month
Library opens in Chesapeake with a focus on Black history and authors
“The library really lets you try something maybe new before you determine if it's something you want to explore more,” she said. "At our Princess Anne Area Library, we have a library of things. And so, you can go and check out a surfboard or we can check out technology. So, things you might want to try before you buy, the library is really great for that.”
Virginia Beach’s libraries offer a wide variety of programming, events and resources.
You can rent out gardening tools to go along with free seeds you can snag from the seed library, hang out in a safe place with your kids or even create something new with their 3D printers.
“If you come to a program, you're going to meet other residents with similar interests, it’s a great way to make friends, which you know, as a new parent or adult sometimes is a great resource on top of the books and the technology and those sorts of materials,” said Cerqua.
Positively Hampton Roads
Portsmouth students get free books thanks to literacy campaign
Speaking of technology, it hasn’t rendered libraries out of touch — there’s actually more to that story.
In 2023, VB libraries had more than 2 million physical and digital checkouts.
“I think they work hand in hand. I think a lot of people are accessing the library differently than they might have in the past,” said Cerqua. “So much of what you love about your local library, you can also get through our online resources. And so, you can download books and movies and music. And you can do virtual programming.”
Cerqua tells me technology has amplified what the library offers and helps connect people to the resources they need.
“We also have — what is the newest thing from the National Library Service for the Blind — Braille e-readers,” said Kaitlyn Hodges, a Disability Services Librarian.
Hodges helps circulate accessible materials to people with print disabilities such as vision loss, and dyslexia.
“So, this is what's called a Twin Vision Book, which is really cool,” said Hodges. “It is for children who may be Braille readers who have vision impairments. They'd be able to read to their parents because there's both Braille on one side and the actual print and illustrations on the other."
Along with her service dog Ren, Hodges helps make sure the libraries are welcoming for everyone.
“We just want to make sure that we are caring for the whole community and not leaving anyone out as best we can,” she told me.
Watch related story: Hodges Manor Elem. students in Portsmouth get free books thanks to literacy campaign
On average, more than 17,000 people visit Virginia Beach libraries per week. The women told me they’re here to meet every single one of them where they’re at.
And best of all, everything is free!
“It's something that everyone can access,” said Cerqua. "You can come and get materials, technologies, classes, resources that you might not be able to get any other way. And so, it's just as relevant today, I think as it's been ever."
To check them out, take a look at their website!
