I do love this library and always have. It has been a huge part of our community and Roanoke county…read morehas tried to listen to concerns and comments along the way. One comment I want to reintroduce is opening back up on Sundays. Real shame to stay closed since Covid.

I don't agree with any kind of negative review of South County Library. To the "avid reader in…read moreparticular; no public libraries ime (including more than a few in the DC Metro areas) stock significant numbers of new books....the flow of the most current titles is often affected by demand both within and without the public library space in general. The staff here are generally very helpful. The reference staff are resourceful and have assisted me plenty in aquiring obscure titles via intra-library loans, and call me promptly by phone when an ordered title is received. The place is always clean and neat looking both inside and out. The building design and layout is uniquely attractive and the floorplan is spacious and efficient; the views of the surrounding areas are calming. There's a very nice quiet room upstairs, with a faux fireplace and comfortable seating. The book-drop slots and window-service drive-through are convenient. I've been to more than a few libraries. South County can hold its own with any public library anywhere. Of course that's my opinion, so check it out in-person and see for yourself.

I have visited many libraries in my life, and I can proudly say that the Vinton Library has been…read moreone of my favorites of them all. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at their Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And "The Vinton Library" in Vinton, Virginia, is a perfect example. Located in the heart of Vinton's Downtown Historic District, the Vinton Library, a branch of the Roanoke County Public Library system, is a modern public library with a wide selection of books, audiobooks, games, and DVDs, plus amenities like free Wi-Fi, public computers, printers, study rooms, a Digi Lab, mobile printing services, study areas, two meeting rooms, a conference room, a drive-through for book pick-ups and drop-offs, an upstairs balcony with outdoor tables and chairs, and a coffee shop that is currently closed. This library also hosts regular community activities, which can be tracked via their online official events calendar. One of the first things I admire about this library is it's prime location with a walkable, small-town atmosphere. Conveniently located near Vinton's government buildings, the U.S. Post Office, shops, restaurants, a barbershop, the Vinton's Chamber of Commerce, the Vinton's Farmer's Market, and The Hive Business Incubation Center (which offers offices, expert advice, and resources for entrepreneurs), among others, this library easily accessible via private autos as well as via public transportation and has an ample complimentary parking lot as well as a bus stop right on the side. Another thing I highly admire about this library is its architectural Modern design. It is beautiful from any angle you look at it. Its simple front landscape is complemented by a narrow walkway that seems to lead you from the sidewalk, around the front of the the building, and right into the very inviting entrance. If you arrive too early you have some benches along the way where you can wait. The interior design is a two story open space surrounded by floor to ceiling windows that not only bring in the light but one can see the beautiful blue sky with white clouds as well as the mountains in the background as one walks around the library. And the most important quality of them all that I admire about this library is its friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and resources for all ages. It is an inclusive library, a welcoming, accessible space that provides resources, services, policies catering to all community members, regardless of background, ability, or identity.

Vinton's library is a nice building that looks relatively new. As with many libraries, it feels…read moremore like a community center than a place you'd go to read a book, which is fine for my needs. There was not a huge amount of general seating. There was an outdoor balcony which might be nice on a better weather day.

Many a times I've driven by the very attractive building of the Salem Public Library, located in…read morethe heart of Downtown Salem, and often wondered how it would be inside. What books and resources would they have to enrich the community? How would its interior architectural design be? And most important of all, How friendly and hospitable would the staff be to someone who visited the library for the first time. After all, it is said that: "People don't care so much what you know as that you care." So today I decided to park my Lexus at the Farmer's Market lot and walk from there to the library. As I studied its architectural design I had a feeling that it was from the '70s and later I found out that it opened its doors on January 2, 1970, and that it received an expansion in 1991. I love its warm, red brick walls and large window design, with its interior cathedral ceiling and well lit areas. It is so well maintained that you would think it was built yesterday. Upon entering the library, I immediately went to the circulation desk to introduce myself. Thanks to her warm and welcoming demeanor, I believe I had the pleasure of meeting the Library Director Ann Tripp. We talked for a while and then she graciously gave me a tour of the library. Her years of experience were revealed through the kindness of her words. I learned that the Salem Public Library offered a wide range of resources and services. Among them, a large collection of books, audiobooks, and DVD, 13 public computers for free use with Microsoft Office and with high-speed internet access, use of black-and-white and color printing (for a per-page fee), and various programs for all ages, from storyline to book clubs. It also provides digital resources like eBooks and magazines through Libby and Hoopia, meeting and study rooms, and a seed library. Other services they provide are mobile printing, interlibrary loans, and access to legal forms. This library serves as a community hub for downtown activity, with free WiFi, a large meeting room that can be reserved by nonprofit entities, two study rooms that can be reserved for two hours per day, and is supported by the Friends of the Salem Library. I also found out that the Salem Public Library Card, which is free to anyone who lives in Virginia, belongs to the Roanoke Valley Library (RVL) consortium. A group of libraries in the Roanoke Valley Regional Library System (including Roanoke City, County, and Botetourt), giving you access to their physical collections and digital resources like eBooks and databases. With so many free resources and services available, I highly recommend getting a library card to take full advantage of them all. And afterwards visit the Salem Public Library frequently. Also, consider giving the library your support by joining the Friends of the Salem Library and/or providing them with a tax deductible donation.

I utilize the Salem library quite frequently and am always impressed at the new and innovative…read moreofferings. We have had free board meetings at night and participated in many games and fun activities that were thoughtfully planned. I can't say enough about the friendly staff who are always willing to assist me in making copies, using the computers and helping in every way.