Absolutely love this place! I usually go there with my kiddo. Who's around five years old because…read moreit's a great spot for us to meet up with other young friends to not only read books but go to the children's play area. The fact that it's right around the corner from my favorite coffee shop is also exceptional, meaning I can get my caffeine then we can head over to the library and have fun with the kids. Perfect spot to snag some AC or stay out of the rain with little ones!

We stopped by to use their notary services... which are free by the way. We had never been inside…read moresince moving to the area. I'm so sad we did not come inside the past 6 months! They have sooooooo many things to offer. Like, make and take craft kits for kiddos, a great teen section, many books, cds, dvds, movies, newspapers ect. They have a notary on staff, call and make an appointment. They also have applications for passports m. The staff was so patient and knowledgeable as we got library cards. They also have an app with books in it. During covid books get dropped off outside only. The best thing... a WELCOME packet for new residents! How awesome is that! We plan to make this a weekly outing for our family!

Swem is the sort of place you can't really appreciate until it's not fifty steps from your…read moredoorstep. When you're a college student, you take your library for granted, sometimes -- hey, it's just a place to check out books and make copies and use the computers, right? It's not until you have that diploma in your hand that you realize what you had for four years: a fantastic, state-of-the-art center for knowledge that has an incredible number of resources all under one roof: historic artifacts, an efficient printmaking service, a kick-ass multimedia center, friendly and knowledgable staff, comfortable places to "read and relax," multiple quiet rooms (and noisy floors), independent study spaces, tons of DVDs, and more. Swem knows what it's doing, ladies and gentlemen, and that's even without funding out the wazoo like your hoity-toity private school down the interstate might enjoy. If you're looking for a place to work, study, or play, Swem is it. It's without a doubt the premier university library I've encountered and one of the most, if not the most, essential buildings on the William & Mary campus. ¡Viva Swem!

The employees in Reeder Mwdia Center stayed late so that I could fully export my project from Adobe…read morePremiere. Also showed me how to use the program. Thanks!

I've been to this library a few times and each time was because I needed to use a computer and…read moreprint something out. I didnt have my Library card when I went yesterday and expected to pay a small fee for a replacement but the lady at the front desk was able to verify me with my ID and wrote my library card # down on a piece of paper. I went yesterday because I needed to purchase "Something In The Water" tickets and I know they sell out quickly so i wanted to use my phone and computer simultaneously to increase my chances. I was successful by the way. 10 cents a page to print with black ink.

For Newport News being so small this library is baller. Lets talk about the fines... they are so…read moredang low, so if you are forgetful... don't worry. NN Library wont send you to collections or demand your first born child in fees. Nothing like back home as far as fees go. NN Library is lacking some books. I have tried to find various books by feminist authors, not carried. However they have a terrific young adult selection, fiction, kids, and cooking. They also have DVD's with 7 day loan (that is pretty long if you ask me). And they display local authors. Use your local library. Its freaking awesome.

We absolutely love the James City County library. It's a first class library that's personable and…read morecomfortable. In addition to books, they have lots and lots of DVDs, and a children's section, which includes an area to play. The children's section has its own glass door so the kiddos can enjoy themselves without the noise traveling to the other parts of the library. I love how the library staff arrange books they recommend and new titles so you can easily find them. They also have a terrific borrowing program with other libraries. Plus, if they cannot obtain a title for you, then,au often purchase it to add to their collection. When you enter the building foyer, there often are seeds and plant clippings to take at no charge. It's a great way to share plants! Another good aspect of the library is that it's open every day! Parking is plentiful.

I have lived here 8 years and never visited this library. My loss. I recently got a library card…read moreand I am glad I did. I use the Libby app mostly to get audio books. We have a good selection to choose from. The library itself is very nice. The huge kids section is perfect for your little ones and is closed off from the rest of the library via large glass wall and doors. This is great for keeping the happy kid noises down. I was very supervised at the huge DVD and music section in this library. Too bad I no longer have a means to play them at home. The history section is quite large as one might expect in this historical town. The display sections for new and promoted books are very nicely managed. There are plenty of comfy spots to sit and read too. WRL has a lot to offer for everyone. Even my picky, science fiction, nerdy self.

This is a simple venue that was spacious enough to accommodate a small wedding. The women's…read morerestroom could use a few repairs (toilet paper dispenser) and needed restocking of soap, but sufficient enough. As a guest, it was s a comfortable place.

As a venue for an event, this place is a very solid four stars. It's not the largest, and there's…read morenot a lot of parking if you have to compete with a full lot at the nearby library, but those are the only two downsides. I think the space is a little larger than it appears from the outside, especially looking from the library. There are plenty of bathrooms and they're just a little bit out of the way, which is great for events. Acoustics for live music were nice and there were enough power outlets. They allow a lot of personal decorations, so you can really make the space your own. The space itself is very neutral with light walls - a good canvas. From my experience at a wedding reception, this place can look absolutely beautiful. Any sort of party with 30-60ish guests would fit nicely here.

Very cool historic site that has much more to offer than I was able to enjoy in a day. I'm not a…read morehuge historian, but it was quite remarkable to see the part of the country that has been preserved and restored to match the original colonies. We got to see a barrel being made, a cannon being fired (dry fired), a court session, and lots of buildings and other historical items. The person I was with has been here a few times and said they have options to stay on site and also there are several very good places to eat. Would be a great place for the family or yourself if you want a piece of Americas history.

From a historical perspective, this is a great place to visit. (5 Star) But I would have to say I…read morewas very disappointed in the visitor center. There's a lot of space and opportunity and they really miss the mark providing no real historical experience within the center itself. The outside structure of the visitor center is a C at Best. Gutters are falling off flashing is missing tiles need to be replaced. It's very tired compared to the visitor center down at Jamestown. I was disappointed that the plantation exhibit along the walkway looks to be overgrown and not often for public viewing. It used to be such a great experience to show what life was like for slaves and owners. The colonial town and structures were great to visit, but even several of those structures need more care... gardens and landscaping are mostly weeds and unkept. I would've thought the location would be in pristine condition. Getting ready to celebrate 250 years. (2 Star)

Two brief noteworthy updates about what CW is doing with the Wythe property. As of now they have…read morechanged the format of how you tour the grounds. In the past you were grouped up with maybe twenty others at the entrance then eventually led through the house by a CW employee. Whether this will still be around for next summer remains to be seen but a few of the people at the house said that CW ditched that format for allowing you to roam the grounds/house on your own. Now when you get to the entrance an employee gives you a few pointers then you're off. Inside there is one person on each floor to answer any questions. One of the reasons why I would assume this change occurred would be on account of CW closing the long time home of The Cooper Shop and relocating it to a building in the back of the Wythe House. The change coincided with CW closing several other long time buildings while consolidating some of those operations at the Wythe, Getty and Randolph houses. I like the new self-touring format here as it is less formal and restrictive which is always good. Although hopefully in the future the Coopers are given their own shop again as it seems odd and historically inaccurate to have them at the back of this house. Beautiful house and beautiful grounds. Well worth a visit. (Note that CW ditched the off hours of years prior where the house was only open on certain days or for only 1/2 day. Currently it's open daily from 9-5.)

The George Wythe residence was completed in 1754. The stately two story brick home sets off the…read morePalace Green. Self guided tours are on selected days when the house is open for ticketed visitors. Wythe was the signer of the Declarations of Independence & first law professor at College of William & Mary. He was also mentor to Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall and Henry Clay. The residence in the past has had a violinist play at selected times. The rear and gardens are picturesque and perfect for a photo op. An outbuilding houses a basket weaving demonstration. There are other demonstrations in the rear of the property depending on the season. Today Wythe is considered the Father of American jurisprudence. The home was HQ to George Washington September 1781 just prior to seize on Yorktown, Va. A room is transformed to show visitors what this time may have looked like. The George Wythe home is one of the original 88 in Colonial Williamsburg and a favorite of mine for its authenticity.

This confusing setup has a bunch of national park land adjoined to a privately owned historical…read moresite. Focusing only on the national park site, I found a visitor center with an introductory movie. While I was perusing the exhibitions right outside the theater, they managed to close it and lock it without letting me know the movie was starting. Which is a little irksome, but may have worked out for the best as I got to the outdoor site and managed to get a run of it and take some pictures just as a weather front was heading in. Some people had traveled from Michigan to tour the area, which I think was a good decision for them as you don't get this kind of history up there. The national park site has some ruins and signage after crossing a boardwalk over the swamp. While not huge in scope; I spent maybe an hour on the site in total, it gives you a feel for the challenges that settlers would have faced. The signage provides compelling information for visitors of all ages, and the views of the waterfront and nearby ferry are majestic as well. You'll get a sense of historical nuance with a lot of players in the area, and an aesthetic experience as well. There is a wildlife drive and this place does have a parkway running to Yorktown, albeit currently not fully open due to major construction. I did not have time for everything the area has to offer on this passing visit, but there is a lot regardless of how much time you have.

September 2024- I visited the historic & original Jamestown , the colony was established there in…read more1607. Jamestown is remembered for its iconic historical figures like Pocohontas and Captain John Smith. In the Visitor Center, there is a small museum exhibit of Jamestown. The admission to explore all of Jamestown requires the purchase of two tickets since Jamestowne managed by two separate organizations, Preservation Virginia (Jamestown Rediscovery) and the National Park Service (Colonial National Historical Park). This can be very confusing when entering and getting admission inside Jamestowne. Entrance inside the visitor center & museum as well as the grounds are free for active military and their families, who get free passes to all the national parks. Standard fee is $15. An additional ticket of $15 is required to purchase by ALL (even with a free military entrance pass to all National Parks). It was worth it to me and a fair price to pay. Jamestowne was a fascinating visit to walk through the well maintained and reconstructed historical buildings & ancient ground of Jamestown. I like how they reconstructed Jamestown to show how it appeared during colonial times and showcased the ruins of the old church within its duplicated replica. I spent most of my time in the church, drinking in the views by the River, and walking through the grounds of Jamestowne. We ended our visit at Jamestown by going to the Archaearium, the archaeology museum, last. It covers the history of Jamestown 1607-1624. There was so much unknown information uncovered there about Pocahontas and the dark history of the colonists during times of famine. 1609 - 1610 was a dark and horrific time period of cold winter weather & starvation for the colonial settlers of Jamestowne. Many starved to death, some resorted to cannibalism of dead corpses or killing the living for food to survive. They reserved a room about this dark period and restrict the use of cameras & taking photography/ videos of that area in the museum out of respect for the remains of the dead in the room. Very macabre yet still fascinating. There were many areas we did not have time to explore due to time constraints and our travel agenda, yet we made the best of what little time we had there.