Photo: Kempsville Area Library
Photo: Lynn Gilbert
Photo: J David Hillery
Kempsville Area Library
★4.6(158 reviews)FreeLibrary
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 0-18. Babies and toddlers thrive in storytime sessions, preschoolers love the extensive picture book collection, elementary-aged kids benefit from reading programs and homework help, while teens enjoy dedicated activities and their own specialized space.🧡 Saved by 34 families
About
Kempsville Area Library is a vibrant community hub that goes far beyond book borrowing. With its impressive 4.6-star rating, this family-favorite branch offers engaging storytimes, structured reading programs for various ages, dedicated teen spaces, and regular family events that make literacy fun and interactive for kids of all ages.
Highlights
- ✓Regular interactive storytime sessions for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
- ✓Extensive children's book collection spanning board books to young adult novels
- ✓Structured summer and year-round reading programs with incentives
- ✓Dedicated teen activities and space for older kids
- ✓Free family events including craft programs, educational workshops, and special performances
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early for popular storytime sessions as they can fill up quickly, especially during weekday mornings
- 2.Sign up for a library card on your first visit to access the full collection plus digital resources like e-books and educational apps your kids can use at home
- 3.Check the library's event calendar before visiting to catch special family programs, author visits, or craft activities
- 4.Visit on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for extended 10 AM-7 PM hours, giving working parents more flexibility for after-school visits
- 5.The children's section typically has puzzles and educational toys in addition to books, perfect for keeping little ones engaged while siblings browse
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10-11 AM) are ideal for attending scheduled storytimes and enjoying a quieter atmosphere. Saturday mornings offer weekend convenience but can be busier. Extended weekday evening hours until 7 PM work perfectly for after-school visits and homework help.
What to Know
Library services are completely free with a Virginia Beach library card (free for residents). The facility is accessible and offers free parking. There's no food service, but families can enjoy a quiet, climate-controlled environment year-round.
Seasonal Notes
Summer reading programs are particularly popular and feature extra events and prizes. Holiday-themed storytimes and activities occur around major holidays. The library is closed Sundays year-round, so plan accordingly for weekend visits.
Follow Kempsville Area Library
Nearby Eats
Chick-fil-A is located nearby on Kempsville Road, offering a quick, kid-friendly meal option with a play area. For pizza and casual dining, Mellow Mushroom is just a short drive away with a fun atmosphere and menu items kids enjoy.
More Activities Near Kempsville
Trampoline Park
The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
★4.7$$❤️237
The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium is an indoor trampoline and adventure sports complex that turns active kids loose on wall-to-wall trampolines, challenging obstacle courses, and exciting climbing walls. With dodgeball courts and dedicated party spaces, this high-energy venue is perfect for burning off steam year-round, rain or shine.
Trampoline Park
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
★4.1$$
Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Kempsville offers wall-to-wall bouncing fun for the entire family! This high-energy indoor facility features dedicated toddler jump areas for little ones, foam pits for safe aerial adventures, and dodgeball courts where kids can burn off serious energy rain or shine. With fitness classes and varied attractions, it's a perfect spot for active families looking to bounce, flip, and play together.
Ice Cream
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
★4.0$$
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a beloved Kempsville treat stop that's become a go-to destination for families celebrating after soccer games, dance recitals, or just needing a sweet cool-down. Kids love choosing from an array of colorful Italian ice flavors and creamy custard combinations, while parents appreciate the reasonable prices and quick service that keeps even the youngest ones happy.
Sports
Kempsville Greens Golf Club
★3.9$$$❤️5
Kempsville Greens Golf Club is a welcoming public golf course perfect for introducing kids to the sport in a low-pressure environment. With dedicated junior programs, beginner-friendly lessons, and a focus on family accessibility, it's an ideal spot for families looking to spend quality time outdoors while learning a new skill together.