The Roanoke Public Library is a wonderful resource for the community. Located in the Downtown…read moreRoanoke area, in a building that went through renovation from the original, it maintains the classical relaxed look, yet at the same time, it has those modern touches that has kept it up with the times. It now has a Virginia Room where people can do research on the history of Roanoke, among other things. And around this area it has meeting rooms where one can reserve to do research or to meet. Besides the traditional bookcases with books, the library has an extensive computer area located in the Darryl G. & Young-Ja Howery Mezzanine, as well as a cellphone charging station. I tried charging my cellphone there with the cords provided and a notice came up on my phone that this cord was too slow to charge my phone and to try to use another one because with this one it would take 8 hours to do so. This is one of the reasons I only gave this library a 4 star rating. The intention to provide modern services was there but not the execution. I brought it to the attention of the librarian to see if it could be corrected for the future with better charger cords, or even better, with devices where you can rest the cellphone on them and they would automatically charge the phone. I'm sure that after the Library Director reads this review he will follow-up because he is a very knowledgeable individual and wonderful human being. The librarians here are all very friendly and helpful. In the basement of the library the Blue Ridge Literacy is located. This is a place where among other this they teach English for free to immigrants new to the area. A reality that I can not leave behind is that many of the homeless of our community frequent the library during the day as a refuge to keep cool in the Summer and Warm in the Winter. Something that the library could do is have a station with booklets and information to help these write a resume, and look for and apply for a job using the computers. It could also offer workshops in one of the meeting rooms to teach and develop the skills needed for them to overcome the adversities that lead them to be homeless. Throughout the years the library has played very important roles in the community, and through creative thinking and innovation, it can find new ways in the future to meet the community's need head on.

Great little library with really helpful librarians. The book selection isn't huge but you can…read moreorder from any of the libraries and get it sent to this one

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.

I love the library at SML! There is plenty of parking. The surrounding area is beautiful. There are…read morecomfy places to sit. If you don't have a laptop or other device, you can sit at one of the library computers. There are used book/movie sales, activities and classes (photography, computers, internet safety, etc). When it isn't crowded (which is frequently) you can stay longer at a computer. There are lots of activities (and toys) for kids. When the weather is warmer, it is fun to go across the street and grab ice cream or pizza.

The library is more like a coffee shop. It is noisy with people talking loud and using their cell…read morephones like no one else is around.

Wonderfully surprised with how in depth and formal the appointment was…read more Employee knew his stuff and had everything straightened out very quickly. I was utterly impressed. Thank you.

Located in a beautifully designed red brick modern building at 612 S Jefferson Street in Roanoke,…read moreVirginia, this Social Security office is right next to the Roanoke Public Library (Downtown Roanoke Branch) and in front of the Historic Patrick Henry Apartment Building, Its exterior landscaping is also an example of simple yet beautiful design. A red brick outdoor floor provides the base for an amazing bronze eagle sculpture in the center, surrounded by green areas and iron benches going around it, providing a resting area and an opportunity of enjoying the view. The inside design consists of an elegant entrance with lots of woodworks and simply.but lovely ceiling lamps. Behind a large wooden Security Desk, their are Security Officers who greet you when you arrive and always ask you a battery of questions and explain how to check-in, before they let you in to the offices area of the first floor where most business is done there. This Government office offers a range of programs including retirement, disability, survivor, and supplemental security income benefits. And other services such as issuing replacement Social Security cards. Appointments are recommended but not necessary. Make sure you bring your Social Security number with you if you have one, as well as a government photo ID. When you enter the first floor offices waiting area, you first have to sign in on one of two computer machines where you type the answers to several questions and these machine generate your appointment ticket with a special number code which you have to have to take a seat and wait until it's called together with the window number where you should go to once called over the speaker. All the employees there are very courteous, knowledgeable, efficient, and very helpful. As long as you bring the organized appropriate documentation, you will be able to finish in a reasonable time period.

Amazing statue and such a fun little treat while driving around the downtown Roanoke area. Parking…read morenearby since it's an a strip mall/ shopping area.

While in the Roanoke, VA area visiting family, Kayla Beth Fields Deacon and I turned it in to a…read moreRoad Trip. We left the hotel and drove about 10 miles over to the downtown area to see the Transformer Mega Giant Optimus Prime He was so excited!!

Sunday, On the way back from Wanda's we stopped at Clover Creek Covered Bridge. It was free to…read morevisit and we are all about free and uncomplicated. The vehicle was parked in the small Pullover spot. Several other families were there enjoying the area. There was 2 picnic tables. Deacon enjoyed exploring around the bridge and area. Highly recommend if you are in the area.

A little broken down, but still an interesting local curiosity. If you like a little side of the…read moreroad fun, have a peek

This place is amazing, literally the best place to visit in Roanoke. Despite what some of the…read morereviews say, it is much bigger than expected. Neighborhood is beautiful, right next to the river. You are missing out if you don't make this a priority stop when passing by, near, around, or within a hour of Roanoke.

Booker T. Washington. If you attended 4th grade in VA public school system, then you were taught…read moreabout the Life of Booker T Washington. Born into slavery, in VA, to be freed and to create a better life for black Americans. I took a 2 mile walk here on the farm. I saw chickens, horses, tobacco houses and his home. A very nice peice of land. Glad to have seen and stopped at this National Monument!

Whether you're a history buff or someone looking for a beautiful place to stretch your legs, this…read morenational monument is worth a stop. Booker T Washington was born into slavery on this plantation, later freed during the Civil War and went on to become an educator, author and political activist. You can learn more about his life inside the visitor center as well as from the information boards scattered throughout the property. I highly recommend a walk on the Jack o' Lantern loop trail which is about 2 miles long and takes you past old buildings and through the woods. Dogs are also allowed on the trail if they are on a leash. The visitor center is open from 10am-4pm and the grounds are open from 9am-5pm with the exception of some major holidays. And there is no fee to visit!