Virginia Beach Library for Residents with Disabilities Moves to Central Branch; Renamed “Accessible Resources & Services”

​In cooperation with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) provides free service to Virginia Beach residents whose temporary or permanent low vision, blindness or physical disability makes it difficult to read regular print. Formerly known as Special Services and offered at VBPL's Bayside branch, the service has relaunched as Accessible Resources & Services and, along with its dedicated staff and collection, is now based at Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library.

The move provides customers a more central location that is accessible on a bus line and an additional six hours of service each week. Services include lending audiobooks and players, electronic braille displays, large print books and descriptive DVDs mailed directly to customers' homes. Staff offer one-on-one assistance and host programs on a variety of topics for learning and fellowship opportunities. VBPL's Accessible Resources & Services currently serves about 375 residents.

"For decades, Virginia Beach Public Library has offered award-winning, highly-valued service and programs at our Bayside branch for individuals who are blind or otherwise unable to read standard print materials," said Director Kimberly B. Knight. "Our goal is to continue providing excellent service while further increasing accessibility and awareness so that even more residents may benefit."

The new Accessible Resources & Services desk is located on the first floor of the Central Library near the self-checkout stations. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

Programs, including the Seeing Beyond group for blind and visually impaired persons, and Read and Share Book Club will continue to be offered at VBPL's Bayside location, with more programs to come soon at Central Library.

For more information about VBPL's Accessible Resources & Services, call 757-385-2684, email accessiblelibrary@vbgov.com or visit www.VBgov.com/AccessibleLibrary.

About Virginia Beach Public Library
Virginia Beach Public Library includes a central library, a joint-use library in partnership with Tidewater Community College, seven area libraries and a public law library. Services include workforce development and job-search support, small business resources, computer and technology classes, early literacy classes and outreach, and local history archives and programs. In addition to books, music, magazines and movies in tangible and digital formats, the library provides online research tools accessible from home or work, and a variety of specialty collections. Visit www.VBgov.com/libraries for more information.