Six Reasons Students Should Book It to the Library

The Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) has free tools and services to help students of all ages with homework, research, reading and more - including some that may surprise you!

1. Expanded weekend hours
No time to visit the library during the busy week? No problem! Most VBPL branches are open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Central Library is now open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m., September through May. Visit VBPL’s website to find full details on locations and operating hours.

2. Comfy study spaces
Each of VBPL’s 10 branches has unique and inclusive spaces to study – from booths, tables and chairs for you to focus by yourself or with a small group, to study rooms for quiet time or working collaboratively.

3. Free access with student accounts
All Virginia Beach City Public School students in grades K-12 have free year-round access to our digital library, including e-books, music, movies and online research tools, plus computer and internet access in library branches. Our School Research Resources page has news articles, encyclopedia entries, reading lists and more. See VirginiaBeach.gov/Library-VBCPS to get started.

4. HelpNow is ready to help… now!
HelpNow is an online resource offering real-time homework help, research and writing assistance, and live tutoring (in English and Spanish), all free with a VBPL or student account. You’ll find practice tests for AP exams and the SAT/ACT, and a learning library with videos, lessons and tests to help students build skills and confidence to excel. Visit HelpNow for free access.

5. A place just for teens
VBPL’s Teen Readers Society is a social community and place for teens to connect with others, receive fun reading prompts and attend members-only events throughout the year. Teens can also join the Teen Advisory Group to earn community service hours, make new friends and share their skills. Visit VirginiaBeach.gov/Teens for more information.

6. One-on-one reading practice
If you have a child in grades K-5 who would benefit from personalized reading assistance, schedule them for VBPL’s new service, One Hour with a Youth Librarian, available at Central Library. VBPL’s youth librarians will meet one-on-one with your child to help them practice reading skills, learn how to find books of interest on their reading level, make the most of library resources and more. To schedule time for your child with a youth librarian, call (757) 385-0150 or email library@vbgov.com.

Extra Credit: Battle of the Books!
For fifth graders and middle schoolers who love a little competition, Battle of the Books 2024 is gearing up! Teams of up to five readers will compete in VBPL’s popular book trivia challenge to have fun and win prizes. Information and registration for the 2024 Battle of the Books events, including book lists, will be available Oct. 1, 2023 on the Battle of the Books website, VirginiaBeach.gov/BoB.