New Babies, Grown-Up Fun and Old Stories: Three Can’t‑Miss Events at Virginia Beach Public Library

Fall is heating up at Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) with three free events coming up that are perfect for growing families, history buffs and anyone looking for a fun night out. Whether you’re a first-time parent, curious about the story of your own family tree, or just want a grown-up night of games and food trucks, there’s something for you. See what’s upcoming and how you can join in.

Events and Activities

Community Baby Shower
Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to noon, Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Free and open to new parents and expecting families. Registration required.

Calling all expecting and growing families! Join Sentara Health Plans and Virginia Beach Public Library for a free community baby shower packed with practical support, expert guidance, free gifts and a whole lot of warmth. You’ll learn about pregnancy, newborn care and the resources available to help your family thrive — plus enjoy the celebratory feel of a shower without having to host it yourself. Reserve your spot!

• New Dad 101: This event will also feature a program for dads and dads-to-be — New Dad 101. Fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual, but this class is about as close as it gets. Facilitated by the Fatherhood Foundation, New Dad 101 gives dads and dads-to-be the confidence to show up for their baby and their partner with unfiltered, real-world insight straight from experienced fathers. There’s no question too small or worry too silly — this is a judgement-free space to prepare for one of life’s biggest transitions. Register online.

A Spanish language session of the baby shower will be offered at the same location and at the same time.

• Comunidad de Baby Shower: Se ofrecerá una sesión en español de baby shower en el mismo lugar y a la misma hora. Necesario inscribirse.

Registration is required for all events listed. A confirmation email will be sent after registering.

The Community Baby Shower is sponsored by Sentara Health Plans, the Virginia Beach Library Foundation and Jimmy Johns restaurant. 

Moonlight Madness: Genealogy After Dark
Sept. 18, 5:30-9 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Free and open to the public. Registration required.

Shine a light on your family history. Moonlight Madness is back for another night of discovery!

Whether you’re just starting to trace your roots or you’re a seasoned genealogist chasing down a stubborn ancestor, this after-hours event is your chance to dig deeper — surrounded by experts, resources and fellow history lovers.

Explore free access to the Edgar T. Brown Local History Archives as well as powerful genealogy tools such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch, dig through microfilm archives and get hands-on help from local history and genealogy experts hosting workshops on strategies, preservation techniques and local historical resources. 

This event can be especially meaningful for those descended from enslaved people or immigrants, whose family histories are often harder to trace due to gaps and limitations in historical recordkeeping. Knowledgeable presenters and resources can help you navigate these unique research challenges and find new paths forward in your search. Reserve your spot!

Adult Only Late-Night Book Fair
Oct. 3, 6-9 p.m., Princess Anne Area Library, 1444 Nimmo Parkway
Free and open to the public. Registration required.

Grown-ups, this one’s just for you! Join VBPL for the Third Annual Adults-Only Late-Night Book Fair, a lively after-hours evening built for fun. Enjoy book bingo, crafts, line dancing, book trivia and food trucks — all in a kid-free space made just for adults 18 and older. 

Whether you come for the trivia, the dancing or the food, this is your chance to let loose and soak in the book fair vibes with fellow readers in the community. Registration is required and opens Sept. 19 at 7 a.m. 

The Virginia Beach Public Library has thousands of programs and activities for every age group throughout the year. See the complete list of events, schedule and more.  

One Card, Endless Possibilities 

There's more to explore with a library card. And if you don't have one, sign up for one today! September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and getting a card this month also enters you into a drawing for a FREE pair of custom, book-themed Converse high-top sneakers and library-themed socks. 

If you already have one, show a staff member your card (or a photo ID linked to your account), and you'll receive a code entering you into the shoe drawing.

Discover all Virginia Beach Public Library has to offer at VirginiaBeach.gov/Library.

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Find Something for All Ages & Stages!  

From storytimes for the youngest to support for the oldest, the City of Virginia Beach offers countless ways for kids, teens, adults, seniors and caregivers to stay active, informed, supported and involved. Now it’s easier than ever to discover City programs, assistance, resources and special events! A new webpage brings together City offerings for all ages in one easy-to-search location. You can also sign up for tailored email newsletters to stay up-to-date on things to do and City offerings. Want to find something to do in Virginia Beach? Visit VB Go or download the app to browse events across multiple calendars and even find parking!