Chesapeake Central Library - Chesapeake, Virginia

Alexander F.

Walking their shelves for the first time I can feel the quality of this establishment and their collection. Their curator has done quite a good job with it, and their collection of rare items open to the public is one of the greatest signs of a pure heart.
Do pay them a visit for your book borrowing needs, I imagine they'll be more than happy to see you too.

Mary-Ann L.

What is there not to like when you walk into a library? Spacious, airy, quiet. The staff here is wonderful. They are always cordial and friendly. I love the children’s section where my friend works. Libraries like this one that has wonderful resources for young minds, even having programs to keep the kids engaged… this month there is a special table display in observance of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I have heard there are story telling times too!

T. N.

Somehow this place only gets worse. The "open plan" concept was always odd. I'm not sure who thought it was a good idea to design a library so that every conversation and crying baby reverberates throughout the entire building. But that's OK, noise-cancelling headphones exist, and at least I had a place to work.

But then covid happened, the library started closing an hour early, and for "reasons" the library never went back to its original hours. It's open to 7 pm (Mon-Thurs), then Friday and Saturday it closes at 5 pm, and Sunday it is not open. How are people who work 9-5 pm supposed to visit? What a joke.

I recently tried to request an interlibrary loan on their website, only to be greeted with a vague error telling me "this is not available right now". Upon emailing for help, I was told they are currently unable to do interlibrary loans at all. Aside from how absurd that is to begin with, why not state that clearly on your website instead of wasting people's time?

This limitation, coupled with most catalogue searches returning results for ebooks and other imaginary media, renders their selection borderline useless. I'm also fairly certain that their collection of physical books has been shrinking over the past 15 years, but I have no proof.

Accessing taxpayer-funded resources only becomes more difficult. We are treated as if using something as basic as a library is a "privilege" as opposed to something everybody should have access to.

Marisa E.

Favorite library I’ve ever been to. The design is gorgeous and spacious, staff very helpful. Everything about this library is designed to be welcoming and supportive to the community. Their dedication to the arts and bringing culture to the community is amazing!

Alexis

The library is always clean and neat. Helpful, friendly librarians. A large selection of books. Nice sized private study rooms. A large children's area with play areas and crafts.

Jeremy C.

Large inventory, spanning most genres quite thoroughly. And while this branch is not listed as possessing a Law Library, the historical room is a place that i think every aware individual should visit at least once while they still have a chance

Carla C.

Wow! The kid area is completely redone. Now there is a puppet show area, Magna tile table, more toys in the kitchen area. The books are displayed higher so they are easier to get too!

Tim D.

Lots of activities for kids in the kid zone. Overall, the library is very liberal with many agenda-type books even in the kid zone.