If you’re looking for a small, quiet library with a great kids section, check out Great Neck Area Library.

This little gem of a place is located along Bayne Dr., off of Old Donation Parkway. It is nestled back in a residential area across from Lynnhaven Middle School and next to the Volunteer Rescue Squad and Virginia Beach Fire Station. If you live in any of the surrounding neighborhoods, it is a fairly easy walk along sidewalks or even a fun, family bike ride! To make this library even better, Lynnhaven Park is located just across the street with a playground, tennis courts, and athletic fields.

Great Neck Area Library is not the biggest library, but it is clean, well kept and never too terribly busy. When you first enter there is often a table full of helpful information and depending on the time of year, they will even have caterpillars in all stages life to observe and watch! The librarians are helpful and friendly and there are two self checkout stations, which my children always love to help me do. On the left hand side when you walk in, is a separate children’s room full of toys, interactive activities, a magnetic wall, and a few iPads with headphones and educational games. The bright colors are super inviting and many of the books are clearly organized into different categories. Check the Library Calendar for all of the activities they offer. There are To-Go Kits, Outdoor Preschool and Toddler programs, baby programs, Live WebEx book clubs and more! Many of these you need to register for in advance and they do tend to fill up, so try to sign up early!

There are several tables for studying or reading, multiple computers, a meeting room available for renting, and a large wall of DVDs. If you or your children are in to puzzles, there is often a large puzzle set up on one of the tables to work on!