Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library

Great place, I went there to get a library card, and the people up there were great in helping me to figure out what I needed to do and explained the rules and conditions of how my card works and I was overall happy with my time there and will be going back in the future.

This is my back up library. I prefer TCC Joint-​Use but since this is closer to my house, I go here when I’m on a time constraint. This place is not my favorite but it gives me a place to study so I am grateful.
My biggest issue is how cold it always is in there. I always bring a jacket and my nose still gets cold so it can make it hard to focus. I also think there is a lot of distracting elements at the charging station desks. This library is pretty loud, people are always talking and giving directions so bring your headphones and turn up the volume to drown it out.

I like the children’s section (or rather, my kids like it). The library itself is really nice and the staff is all very friendly and helpful. That being said, the selection isn’t really great. But overall it’s a good experience.

This location is incredibly disappointing. For it’s size, the selection is extremely poor. It took me an hour to find just one book to check out because they didn’t have every single book that I looked for. My list of books I would like to read is over 100 books long, and I went through far too many of those before I actually found something.
Their organization is very poor as well, I found many things in the wrong place. To top it all off, the librarians are incredibly rude. The last time I was there, I asked for help finding a particular book, and the woman I asked made it very clear that she felt I was wasting her time. Now today, when checking out at the self service check out, I was unaware that the books did not need to be scanned, they simply need to be placed on the black mat. The older woman behind the counter all but yelled at me, and made me feel incredibly stupid for not knowing this. I’m starting to think I would be better off just purchasing books from Barnes and Noble. At least then I could actually find what I’m looking for, and the service would be far better.

KThis is one of the best libraries I have journeyed to in a while. Its clean, spacious with a large selection of books as well as computers and other research materials. The bathroom’s were spotless when I arrived and smelled fresh. The best thing to do is arrive early at this location as it attracts many.

A free, calm, spacious library with a great book selection and extensive opening hours!
The staff is helpful and friendly.
It is free to park.
The automated return system for books is extremely convenient. Materials can be return in any of the Virginia Beach library branches.

The days of me hanging out in a library are long gone and I’m so glad I don’t have to go to them anymore… at least for studying. Recently though, I held a seminar where I talked about social security income for those old enough receive benefits.
We rented one of their special rooms, the Libris room. It’s very spacious, at least 30×30 foot in size. They have everything you need: projector, cords, tables, chairs, and overhead projection screen. You have to set everything up yourself so be sure to arrive early if you’re doing a presentation. I suggest bringing your own cords to connect to a projector if you’re working with newer laptops that use the HDMI connection.
For four Saturday sessions it only cost $ 40. Not too shabby.
One thing that was confusing on our end. On Saturdays the library opens at 10am. We had the room at 9am. In order to access the room you have to go through the back door. No big deal but that caught us off guard and set us a few minutes behind for getting things set for the presentation.

I’ve only been once. It had been a long time since I walked into a library. I won’t even go into how much has changed. Let’s just leave it at technology has really changed things.
This is a small library, but decent. The young woman that I initially asked for help was fairly unfriendly, but directed me to another woman who was not only friendly, but so kind and very helpful. She answered all of my questions and some that I didn’t think to ask but should have. She checked me out, but also told me that the library operates similar to a self-​serve place.
I only found one of the books that I was looking for and another was lost and the last was not one they even heard of.
With the advent of advanced technology and information, books, research journals, etc. at your fingertips, I wouldn’t be surprised if libraries became a thing of the past… at least the physical buildings.

Wonderful venue for events. We held a seminar for women and the auditorium is very clean, modern and easy to access! They have a great coffee shop too. I think the chai tea was the best I have ever had.

I thought of all establishments to be trusted, the local library was always a sure bet. Not anymore. Have always loved this library and now their billing system has me frightened. There have been several mistakes over recent years and every time in the library’s favor. The latest is that if you renew your books on your phone, it appears that the renewal went through. Then you find out months later from a collection agency (?which is really the library) that that was not the case. They don’t even bother to send a notification letter anymore. They high-​ball you now then blame you for glitches in their system. I am concerned about the impression left on my son when ideally our children should be encouraged to read.

Been living here since 1989 and have gone to this Library ever since it was built. First off, great selection of books. Lots of open space and labs. Yet, with time I hope eventually the library would consider a renovation with its interior. Could use a pick me up in the interior décor, modern perhaps. Nonetheless, great spot and less than 5 minutes from Town Center.

–Its a beautiful library– 2 floors, kids running around, books everywhere. They have an computer section with cublicles where you can bring your own laptop to plug in and connect to their free wifi.
–Printing is 0.20 cents per page.
— Temp: very cold in there: around 68 degrees id say. Its not so bad if youre running in and out.
— The library is quite loud (as are most nowadays), but they have 2 first come first serve study rooms downstairs that you may rent for max of 2 hrs i believe. If you want to extend your rental, you have to ask the information desk 1 hr before your time is to exprire. However, they do have empty tables and cubicles in the back that are somewhat quiet– but bring ear plugs.
— Café in the front sells coffee for about 1.75, and 1 $ refills. They also sold chai, water, soda, and limited bakery items. They have chairs and tables set up tehre as well, so you may eat and read. Its also less cold there.
— Bookstore in the front– i havent ventured into there yet.
— Plenty of free parking and close to the mall (incase you need a break from reading)
— Friendly and helpful staff. Clean bathrooms. They let me bring my coffee and cupcake in.
Not very quiet, but a good place to study if needed.

One of my favorite places in Virginia Beach! It’s not exactly cozy like the small library in my hometown but it more than makes up for it in selection, convenience, and the helpful staff. Coming here is a biweekly ritual for me.

A few years ago, the voters kicked Meyera out of her Mayor gig and named this huge free bookstore after her.
Hang on a sec here… Let me pause for a moment and pay some homage…
Meyera E. Oberndorf was truly a legend, one of the greatest Mayors in Virginia Beach, if not US, History. Sure, there were some difficult times, some unrest at the Oceanfront and all of that… but consider the number of tourists that pass through here every year along with the fact that a huge share of the ‘permanent’ residents are only here for 2 years or so, the fact that the entire boardwalk wasn’t up in flames every other weekend is a remarkable feat in and of itself! Her Honor was never too busy to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new business or city parking garage, her activities schedule was always jammed packed with ample opportunity to press the flesh with the electorate and their children.
In recent years, Meyera has had a bit of a rough go of it. I did see her down at the oceanfront a few years ago at Blues at the Beach. She was recently out of office, but looked relieved and relaxed in a peaceful sort of way. And I’m glad, because she gave of herself, her energy, her drive, her passion… and I’m pleased that for at least a little bit of time, she was able to kick her feet up and enjoy what she helped build.
So back to the big free bookstore. If you live here, you can get some plastic that allows you to take things out of here and read them in the comfort of your own home… or better yet at Starbucks!
As Elwood Blues properly predicted in 1979: ‘By the year 2006, the music known today as the blues will exist only in the classical records department of your local library.’ MEO has got tons of blues here, check it out (get it? ‘Check it out?’ Library? I made a funny!!!)!
There is a cool little coffee shop here, a thrift store that sells used underwear. i mean used books. Once you are done reading your treasures from Barnes and Noble, drop them off here so that they can sell them and make some money.
If you need help doing your taxes, that happens here too.
Need help with your calculus homework? I’m sure that someone roaming around can explain the Third Derivative for you.
Now here is the really really cool part:
It is all free! No charge for parking. In the summer, they’ve got Air Conditioning!
Stop by here sometime and spend a few hours. It’s fun!
As a great philosopher once said:
Na, na, na
Gonna have a good time
Na, na, na
Gonna have a good time
Hey, hey, hey!
This is Bill Cosby coming out with music and fun
If you’re not careful, you may learn something before it’s done!
Hey, hey, hey! ‘
And when you enter, think some warm thoughts for the matriarch for whom the place is named. Put your politics aside for a minute and reflect on the difference that she made and how this place might be the best and most fitting tribute we can offer up.

Great to pick up and check out recent DVD rentals, the library staff are very helpful, and they have a great rental and text notice service. I really like coming in to just read a magazine, get my taxes done for free in the spring, browse the book shop, or simply look at the mini art gallery while sipping on the coffee shop café. A nice place to relax and just sink into a good read!

We’ve been here in the area for two and a half years and though the kids love books, we had never made it over to the Central library until recently. After going last weekend, I can most definitely say we will be back. We really enjoyed our visit.
The library is really nice with two levels, a coffee shop, and a used book store with really cheap books. There is a teen only section (not applicable for our boys yet) but a cool feature. Everything is very clearly labeled so you can easily find the items for which you are looking. Though we mostly just wandered around, I can see spending some time here to get some work done as everyone was respectful and fairly quiet.
I almost feel smarter just walking around all the books. Actually, me being smarter isn’t that tough so I probably did get smarter just from my visit. Who knows, my brain might be fully functional with a few more trips. See you there!

The Va Bch library is top notch. The online services are great, from reserving books, CDs, DVDs and downloading music, thats right 3 free downloads a week. You can choose were you want to pick up your reserved book, CD or DVD. What a great service. Who needs to buy books when we have such a great public library system.

Formerly known as the Central Library due to its central location in Virginia Beach, the largest library in the city is now known as the Meyera Obendorf Library in tribute to it’s recently ousted but longest running mayor.
Other than the name change, there’s nothing really new about the library, but if it ain’t broke then don’t try to fix it. The Meyera (as I am now calling it) is a large beautiful structure, complete with skylights, a bookstore/​giftshop, plenty of available computers and the best selection of reference and reading materials available to the general public in the city. With a coffee shop, auditorium and meeting rooms available for rent, there’s lots of reasons to check out this library and enjoy seeing the spare change from your tax dollars being put to good use.

I can’t rave enough about the Virginia Beach Public Library system. Growing up, my neighborhood branch was Kempville Library, but Central Library is the largest branch with the most amenities, and it’s an easy trip out from most areas of Virginia Beach. They have a large section downstairs for nonfiction and reference, while fiction books are upstairs. There are meeting rooms, an auditorium, computer workstations… even a café! I honestly have no idea why people buy so many books when they can visit the library for free. I love the audiobooks and CD section, what a great way to save money and enjoy all the media you love.

Virginia Beach has an excellent public library system. Central Library, recently renamed after longtime VB mayor Meyera Oberndorf, is the heart of the system.
The design is open, modern and spacious with a mezzanine style second floor that allows for a sweeping view of the nonfiction stacks and reference desk below.
All the amenities are available: work areas, computer access, meeting rooms, a book shop, automated self checkout. There’s a cozy kids’ section upstairs with pint size tables and chairs and computers (even a pint size toilet in the bathroom).
There’s a small art gallery and theater where the library hosts acoustic concerts and other events. The Tidewater Friends of Folk Music group uses the theater as its home base. There’s even a coffee shop in the lobby. Get yourself a latte, bring it inside (it’s OK) and hole up in a corner with a good book or your laptop – they now have wi-​fi throughout the building.
The library’s collection may not be as large as those in older cities, but I’ve never had any trouble finding a book I was looking for and it’s easy to get books transferred from one library to another if they’re not on the shelf at your nearest branch.
The City recently scaled back on some library hours due to budget cuts, but the Central Library hours remain unchanged. They are closed on Sundays during the summer only.