Library · Norfolk
Libraries in Norfolk
Norfolk Public Library serves Norfolk’s 238,102 residents from 12 locations. Last year it logged 496,599 visits, about 2.1 for every resident, and lent 543K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Barron F. Black Branch
6700 E. Tanners Creek Drive, Norfolk 23513
40 hrsopen a week
5,950sq ft
669Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#17
#17 of 24 · Most-used libraries in VA →Among VA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#22 · Most library borrowing →#19 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
497K
visits
2.1 per resident
543K
loans, print + digital
2.3 per resident
2,564
programs & events
75K attended
33K
library cards
14% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 100,000+ people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
2.1 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 50% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
1.6 print items · typical 3.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (17th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.6 e-items · typical 1.4
Lower than most similar-size libraries (23th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.7 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (16th percentile)
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.2
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
14% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (7th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
543K loans last year
Books & media (adults)41%Kids’ books & media31%E-books, audio & streaming28%
Who the programs are for
2,564 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$60 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $14M.
Local 98%State 2%Gifts & other 0%
Locations
Other libraries in Norfolk
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.