Tidewater Community College/City of Virginia Beach Joint-Use Library
About
This joint-use library combines the resources of Tidewater Community College with Virginia Beach public library services, creating a welcoming space perfect for families. With regular story times, engaging children's programs, and an extensive collection of books and educational materials, it's an ideal destination for nurturing young readers and learners while giving parents access to quiet study spaces and community resources.
Highlights
- ✓Regular children's story time sessions with engaging read-alouds
- ✓Educational programs and workshops designed for different age groups
- ✓Extensive children's book collection with both classic and new releases
- ✓Quiet, comfortable reading nooks perfect for family reading time
- ✓Access to computers and educational technology resources
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings to enjoy the children's section with fewer crowds and better availability for programs
- 2.Check their website or call ahead for story time schedules, as these popular programs fill up quickly and may require registration
- 3.Take advantage of the free library card to access not just books but also educational games, puzzles, and digital resources
- 4.The college library setting means excellent study spaces if you have older kids doing homework while younger siblings participate in programs
- 5.Parking is plentiful in the college lot, and the facility is stroller-friendly with easy access
Best Time to Visit
Saturday mornings (9:00-11:00 AM) offer a relaxed pace perfect for browsing with kids, though weekday late mornings (10:00 AM-noon) work well for story time programs and typically see lighter college student traffic. Avoid Monday-Thursday evenings when college students are studying.
What to Know
The library is free to use with a Virginia Beach library card (also free for residents). Ample parking is available on campus, and the facility is fully accessible with elevators and family-friendly restrooms.
Seasonal Notes
The library follows both college and city schedules, so hours may vary during college breaks and holidays. Summer reading programs are particularly popular, offering incentives and activities for kids. Check ahead during winter and spring breaks as hours may be reduced.
Nearby Eats
The Hilltop area offers plenty of family dining options within a short drive, including Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread for quick, kid-friendly meals after library time.
More Activities Near Hilltop
The Fresh Market
While The Fresh Market may not be a traditional family attraction, this upscale grocery store in Hilltop offers a surprisingly engaging shopping experience for families. Kids enjoy the colorful displays of fresh produce, the enticing bakery section where they can watch bakers at work, and the opportunity to sample treats. It's an excellent quick stop to teach little ones about fresh foods while grabbing prepared meals for easy family dining.
Kids Cove Playground
Kids Cove Playground in Virginia Beach is a beloved neighborhood gem that consistently earns rave reviews from local families. Located along the convenient Laskin Road corridor in the Hilltop area, this well-maintained park offers a perfect escape for families looking for quality outdoor play without venturing far from home. With nearly perfect ratings from over 1,000 families, it's clearly a hit with the local community.
Lakewood Park
Lakewood Park in Norfolk's Hilltop neighborhood is a classic community gem that delivers everything families need for a perfect outdoor afternoon. With well-maintained playground equipment, plenty of open grass for running and games, and scenic walking paths, it's an ideal spot for letting kids burn energy while parents relax with a picnic or leisurely stroll.
Hilltop West Shopping Center
Hilltop West Shopping Center offers a convenient one-stop destination for Virginia Beach families looking to combine shopping errands with kid-friendly dining and entertainment. With its excellent 4.5-star rating and variety of retail stores and dining options, it's perfect for those days when you need to get things done while keeping the kids happy and entertained.