My online book search for books about The Knights Templar and books about Stephanie Plum, the…read morebounty hunter and books about Venice by Donna Leon.

It was interesting to visit a library that I didn't know existed. Of course I knew there was a…read moreGreat Neck Library, but the location is so off the beaten path you need a map. All joking aside, for this first timer the library is only a block off of First Court, but accessed off of Old Donation Parkway. Turn onto Bayne Dr. which takes you to not only the library, but also Lynnhaven Middle School. My son needed to pick up materials that were immediately available and happen to be at GN Library. Upon approaching the area I passed the backside of Lynnhaven Park which is completely detached from the basketball courts on First Court and has a newer playground, so look for an update to this park. The parking is long paved lot beside the building. The size appears to be adequate for it's patrons. The building is possibly one of the older one's in the VB Library system. The lot was clean and exterior area was free from debris. A shocker was a cool small park like area with picnic tables opposite side of the parking lot beside the library. I noticed when walking in that they have installed the new automated return system. When entering you will find a small check out counter up front. To the left a very large children's library that is carpeted walled off and has a door. This is nice for security of small wondering kids. There are activity tables a computer and small chairs. I entered to just look around a bit and found children playing more than reading and a lot of materials in need of being reshelved... so was not impressed. However, I found all of the other areas clean and neat. Adult Fiction were just beyond on the left. and right back the bulk of the collection Non-Fiction. Also audio books or on the right exterior wall. The middle area has tables to read, or study. The square footage is not overwhelming and it's obvious it's an older facility, possibly early 80's. However, they seemed to have the necessary materials to serve the GN area. The have a small computer area of around 8 cubicles. It probably services this area okay, but nothing exciting. Just across from the computers is the Reference and quiet study area. To the left exterior is a meeting/multi-purpose room. No sink, or kitchen in the room like newer facilities. If they have private study rooms I did not see them, but would be surprised if they did not have at least two some where. My son checked out his own materials with my supervision at a distance. He said the process went smooth and the staff person, a younger black woman was nice. He also needed help at one point in locating a book and received immediate assistance and said this staff person was friendly and helpful in finding what he needed. I am assuming that this this library is on the lower side of circulation, but could be wrong. They had patrons enjoying different types of materials, but for the HUGE GN area is was not overly busy for a weekday. Could it be that this location is just not thought of since it's not on a main road. I could not get overly excited here, but if your in the Great Neck corridor and this branch works best than go for it! I think you will find it meeting a lot of your needs.

This is such a thoughtful & well stocked library! I am thrilled they have a drive thru too! How…read morecool! Today was our first visit to pick up a library card, a few books, and see what's what at the library! Can't wait to explore more & utilize everything they offer!

Soooo.. did you know that the library holds some pretty cool classes for free? (I say free, but we…read moreall know nothing is free-tax payer's money). I came upon a flyer at the cherry blossom festival from the VB library stand and lo and behold! Drone obstacle course caught my eye! What, where, when?!? I was excited. Registration for any classes or programs are typically open two weeks prior to course day. I was on it like white on rice! They only had six spots for the entire class, but only five signed up. Eighty percent of the class included myself and my siblings. It was like an unintentional adult siblings' play date at the library. It took place in their meeting room which was a fair size room. But, unfortunately with five drones operating at the same time, Bluetooth interference was rampant. This caused multiple simultaneous hovering, then full on disconnect and drones crashing to the ground. We learned to try and fly our respective drones a certain distance from one another to avoid this. Before we launched our drones, Julianna our instructor did a presentation on drones and identifying their parts, along with drone safety. We used mini Tello drones which were pretty fun to fly. You could even make them bounce and do 360 degree flips! My batteries were at half life after a short while. By the time I tried to make mine flip it didn't have sufficient battery life to execute this maneuver. I went through four batteries! It was a blast to practice navigating the drone through the hoops and fences in the room. I can't say I will be joining the DRL anytime soon with my navigation skills. But I did progress quite a bit by the end of the class! I made it through three hoops in a row, all different heights and two fences. You can even do hand landings. This was a really fun course and I am so appreciative and thankful for the VB public libraries for setting it up! Julianna was very organized, friendly, helpful and very PATIENT! I'm also glad they do separate drone classes- one for adults only and another for teens. My only suggestion is to maybe see if the library would be able to negotiate some space in the PA Rec center next door for more room. I understand why they don't hold the drone class outside due to air restrictions with no fly zones and in order to easily monitor the flying distance. I'm also thinking the batteries drained quickly due to the propeller guards. They're added weight to the drones, but I also understand the purpose is to protect the propellers and anything it comes into contact. Believe me, there were plenty of crashes going on, and not just due to Bluetooth interference. Haha.

Before heading to Koco Korean for the Yelp Elite event, I stopped here for some quiet time…read more Lately, I've run into libraries for reading before meeting up with fellow Yelpers. Being introverted, it gives me peace in being alone. Not to say I don't like being around people, but I'm sure others understand. Anyway, let's see how the visit went. The library for the most part was well kept. When you enter through the automatic doors, there are metal detectors in place and the front counter is on the right. Not all tables have plugs for those who need their devices charged, but I managed to find one on the 1st floor. There's a section for kids and also private areas that you can use for tutoring services. For the most part, I was comfortable. But in a separate area, there were a group of kids talking a bit loud. I believe they were of High School age. Growing up, I was taught to be quiet or talk a bit softly kn a library. But not them!! I was surprised none of the staff came by and told them to keep it down. Maybe I sound like an old man in a rocking chair (I'm only 45 years old), but still. Keep it quiet people!!! Other than brats causing ruckus, I felt fine. I don't mind coming back at all. But staff, please tell others to quiet down. Just saying.....

I have been visiting this library branch for decades - primarily because it is the closest library…read moreto where I grew up. Although this library may not have an extensive selection of material, I think most folks will be able to find something they like (or something close to what they will like). I'll say that the staff picks section of the library always has very interesting picks - especially for non-fiction. Fortunately, IMO, Va Beach does a good job with interlibrary loans. In my experience, I rarely would have to wait more than 4-5 business days to receive a notification that my reserved book was ready for pick up. For about 90% of my visits (over many decades), I have found the staff to be very helpful and professional. The library grounds are pretty clean, and the library has a very user-friendly layout. Also, the library provides plenty of parking. As one might expect, I do think anyone will have a problem finding parking to use a library. ;)

This is my first time visiting the MM Library, and I loved everything about it…read more I attended the Adult Coffee and Crosswords event, and it was great to interact quietly with so many sweet, kind people. I will be back. The staff at MML are so welcoming and helpful. This library is a hidden gem of activities for people of all ages! I am excited about coming back for other events. There is a public parking lot beside and behind the library. Street parking on Washington is also available.

This is a great library! So involved with the community and has a lot going on. Decent selection of…read morebooks.

I arrived at Greenbrier Library just before heading to another location for a Yelp Experience…read moreevent. This was actually my 2nd time here but I forgot to check in for the last visit. Let's see how this visit went. The library is on the smaller side compared to most of the libraries I've been to in Hampton Roads. They have two floors with the top mostly with computer tables. There are a few private rooms available if you have a group or if you prefer alone time away from folks. The decor is neat of course and the vibe is pretty quiet. From the side entrance, you run into some artwork. I'm not sure if they're from local artists, but they're really nice to view. Only though I was here for short times, this library has been a good place to rest. The next time I'm in the area, it'll be a go-to for me :)

Super easy to sign up for a library account online. However, you don't get full access (physical…read moreitem borrowing privileges) until you visit a location to complete registration. The circulation desk staff was helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. Account holders may check out up to 30 items at a time, with no late fees (lost and damaged fees do apply). Reserving titles online to pick up at a location is easy, and you can transfer books to a site of your choice for your convenience. You also get free access to Libby and Hoopla with your account, which are digital media library apps!

Before attending a Yelp Elite event in the Ocean View area almost two weeks ago, I stopped here for…read morea bit after work to enjoy some quiet time reading. I have slacked off a bit so having a moment to catch up was truly needed. Let's see how it turned out. The library itself is well kept. From the areas I walked in, everything was clean and books were in place. When you enter, there are automatic sliding doors and metal detectors. In the desk area, they even have plugs if you want to charge your phone or laptop, which definitely came in handy for yours truly. I spent the next hour or so reading a book from home or checking out news on my phone. Quiet time well spent before hanging out with friends. Libraries are needed for peace and relaxation and this one provided both. The next time I'm in the area for another event, I'll be sure to stop here :)

There is a Cozy Mornings Book club on the last Tuesday of the month. It is a very nice library by…read morethe beach. I usually go there when I do not want to go to the Slover library in Downtown Norfolk.

Beautiful library, friendly staff, lots of things for the little readers to get into. Definitely my…read morefavorite library in the area so far

Portsmouth Libraries have really cool perks that come with the library card. I visited Cradock…read moreBranch library today and staff was nice. They had lots of books and games. They have resources like Freegal for music. Parking was easy. Place was organized and pleasant for the patrons. This area of town is quiet and not too busy. The library was nice.

I love supporting local libraries, and this little, cute one is a favorite. They always have a…read moregreat selection of books, and the staff is nice and helpful. I also appreciate the programs they host like character visits, wildlife visits, and other activities for kids. Even when I try to resist (because I have plenty of books to read at home), I can't resist taking out my library card and leaving with checked out books.