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.

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.