A Message from Our Executive Director: Kimberly Knight
At the Virginia Beach Library Foundation, we believe that strong libraries build stronger communities.
This year, our Foundation has continued to demonstrate the extraordinary impact that philanthropy can have when it is rooted in a shared belief in the power of libraries. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, partners, volunteers, and advocates, we have expanded access to programs, enhanced learning opportunities, supported innovation and ensured that our libraries remain welcoming spaces where every member of our community can thrive.
As you explore this report, I hope you will see not only what has been accomplished, but also what is possible when a community invests in its library. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us continue to inspire curiosity, foster connection and empower our community through the enduring power of libraries.
Your Impact by the Numbers
*FY 2025-2026
OUR DONORS
Our community of donors consists of individuals, families, foundations and companies that believe in the power of the Virginia Beach Public Library.
By investing in volunteerism, the Virginia Beach Library Foundation helps create stronger libraries and a stronger community.
To further recognize the value of volunteer service, the Foundation created the Catharine C. Pepe Scholarship Fund in partnership with the family of Cathy Pepe, a lifelong library volunteer and advocate.
The Value of Volunteer Commitment
Volunteer Hours
Value of Volunteer Time
# of Teen Volunteers
# of Adult Volunteers
14,613.42
$528,128.54
316
152
Volunteer Hours: 14,613.42
Value of Volunteer Time: $528,128.54
# of Teen Volunteers: 316
# of Adult Volunteers: 152
Closing the Digital Divide Through Access
to Technology
Virginia Beach Library Foundation contributed $33,933 to the Virginia Beach Public Library to expand technology access at the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library through a new self-service laptop dispenser. This system lets patrons check out laptops for use anywhere in the building, offering greater flexibility for work, interviews, virtual meetings, classes and other needs.
The project builds on a previous upgrade that replaced 12 public desktop computers with laptops and allowed the former computer lab to be reimagined as a versatile space for programs and technology training.
Bookmobile
The Bookmobile brings library services directly to neighborhoods across Virginia Beach, connecting residents with books, programs and resources beyond library walls.
Library of Things
Connecting Kids to Reading All Summer Long and Preventing the “Summer Slide”
Through themed activities, outreach visits, and partnerships with preschools and Virginia Beach City Public Schools, the program encourages children to build reading habits, discover new books and stay connected to learning.
Strengthening Adult Reading and Building Brighter Futures
Adult Services reached 2,478 participants through in-library programs, outreach at senior living communities and local businesses, English Language Learning classes, programs for adults with disabilities, and large systemwide events.
The 2025 Adult Reading Challenge continued to grow, engaging 1,868 readers who completed 37,953 books. Of those participants, 73% reported spending more time reading than the previous year, and 71% said they used more library resources because of the challenge—demonstrating its strong impact on adult learning and engagement.
Creating Career Pathways Through Online High School
With guidance from Virginia Beach Public Library staff, participants are able to balance coursework with job and family responsibilities while progressing toward graduation. This year, 30 adults enrolled in the program and 20 graduates achieved an important milestone that strengthens career prospects and opens doors to higher education—reflecting the program’s growing impact on families across the community.
VBLF Supports Late Night Adult Book Fair
The Late-Night Book Fair was created by the Princess Anne Area Libraries’ Adult Advisory Group to bring the nostalgia of traditional book fairs to an adult audience. Held after hours, the event combines literacy, creativity, and community connection with a Friends of the Library book sale fundraiser.
Since its launch in October 2025, the Adult Late-Night Book Fair has welcomed more than 320 attendees.
Virginia Beach Library Foundation Becomes a United Way of South Hampton Roads Certified Agency in 2025
This recognition also opened the door to new funding opportunities. As a United Way Certified Agency, VBLF was awarded a $25,000 early childhood literacy grant to support Virginia Beach GrowSmart, our initiative dedicated to helping young children develop the foundational literacy skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
Strengthening Early Literacy and Language Development Through the Department of Libraries
Read Across America Day
Our funding partners: TowneBank, Beach Municipal Federal Credit Union, United Way of South Hampton Roads, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Square One, and The Noblemen made this signature event possible.
Celebrating Children
Virginia Beach Public Library’s GrowSmart was proud to partner with VB City Public Schools, VB Parks and Recreation, the Health Department, and VB Cultural Affairs to present the 2026 Celebrating Children Festival. The event welcomed an estimated 4,000 attendees
for a day of family fun, hands-on activities, entertainment, and community connection.
Click to watch the festival video.
Watch the Celebrating Children Festival video
WHRO Helps Support Independent Publishing and Youth Creativity through Zine Fest
The Bayside Area Library hosted its first Zine Fest in April 2026, bringing together creators from across Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach Public Library for a day of workshops, demonstrations and hands-on exploration. More than 300 participants learned about the history of zines and the many ways they can be made, setting the stage for the launch of VBPL’s new Zine Collection.
“VBPL is thankful for the generous grant provided by WHRO and Virginia Humanities. This grant allows us to provide year-round zine programming, provide more programming options at Zine Fest 2027, and expand the zine collection to adult, youth, and archival collections.”
— Bria Coles, Library Branch Program Coordinator
Inspiring Curiosity Through Winter Wildlife Festival
The Virginia Beach Library Foundation secured funding from Dominion Energy to support Virginia Beach Public Library’s education programming at the 2026 Winter Wildlife Festival. More than 3,000 residents—including 104 elementary school students—participated in the festival, which also drew 6,359 digital visits.
Investing in Teen Literacy: 100 Books Before Graduation
The Virginia Beach Library Foundation invested $19,000 in FY 25–26 to strengthen teen literacy through programs that encourage independent reading and deeper engagement with the library. Funded by Flynn Group Pizza Hut, The 100 Books Before Graduation Challenge invited teens to choose books that match their interests, resulting in 594 registrations, 6,707 logged books and 341 earned rewards; 161 participants also completed the Summer Reading Challenge.
COX Charities Funds Youth Mobile Makerspace Kits
The Youth Mobile Makerspace Kits reached 450 children through more than 17 programs focused on creativity, engineering and hands-on learning. These engaging STEAM tools support creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration in classrooms, libraries, camps and makerspaces.
EVENTS
The library celebrated the unveiling of the Catharine C. Pepe Musical Installation, creating a new interactive space where visitors of all ages can explore music through play. The installation reflects the library’s commitment to creativity, lifelong learning, and enriching community experiences through engaging public spaces.
GET INVOLVED
Want to Get Involved beyond funding?
Your support can do more than provide funding, it can help bring bold ideas to life and create lasting impact in our community.
If any of the upcoming capital projects or programs inspire you, we invite you to connect with us at LKilgore@VBgov.com to learn more about the vision behind each project and explore how you can help make these next chapters a reality.
Together, we can write what comes next.
Study Rooms at Meyera E. Oberndorf
Central Library
As the Central Library serves as the busiest and most highly trafficked library location in the system, demand for quiet, dedicated spaces for studying, tutoring, remote learning, and collaboration continues to grow. Additional study rooms will help meet this need, providing students, families, and community members with welcoming, flexible spaces to focus, learn, and achieve their goals.
Bayside Library Lactation Room
Bayside Area Library has received generous sponsorship support from Humana to help bring a dedicated lactation space to the library. While this support provides an important foundation, additional funding is still needed to bring the space fully to life.
Designed with families in mind, the new lactation room will feature a sink and countertop, comfortable seating, a changing table, Hoopla, digital screen resources, toys for older siblings, and welcoming décor.
Computer Lab Renovation at Oceanfront Library
The Oceanfront Library is planning to transform the Computer Lab into a dynamic, multi-purpose hub. The space will provide opportunities for community members to meet, learn, create, and collaborate, while expanding opportunities for hands-on learning and creative expression. This vision aligns particularly well with the Oceanfront Library’s landscape, creating opportunities to collaborate with local businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and other creative professionals throughout the ViBe Creative District. https://vibecreativedistrict.org/
GrowSmart: Investing in Early Learning
Virginia Beach GrowSmart is the City’s early childhood education initiative, reaching more than 20,000 children, families, and educators each year. Every program removes barriers to early learning and ensuring more families can participate.
For VBLF, GrowSmart strengthens the library’s role as a trusted partner in school readiness, family support, and lifelong learning.
Books on the Beach Oceanfront
Oceanfront Library is known for its innovative community outreach, bringing library services directly to residents and visitors through its Books on the Beach initiative. For more than a decade, this program has helped extend the reach of the library beyond its walls, connecting people with resources, programs, and the joy of discovery where they live, work, and play.
After more than a decade of service, the time has come to reinvest in this beloved program. We are seeking support to refurbish existing library bikes and purchase new ones, ensuring that Books on the Beach can continue—and grow—as a vibrant, accessible way to bring library services directly to the community for years to come.
Gaming Services: A Systemwide Investment in Teen Engagement
VBPL is now seeking funding to restore gaming services through a consistent, compliant, and strategic systemwide approach that supports meaningful teen engagement and provides clear guidelines for safe, enjoyable use.
International Language Collection
Library of Things Collection