Norfolk Public Library and the City of Norfolk began construction of the new Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch library in March 2006. The new Anchor Branch will open in the Spring of 2008. On March 8, 2006, Mayor Paul Fraim and City Council Members celebrated the revitalization of Norfolk's library system at the site of the old Pretlow Branch Library, 9640 Granby Street. Sun Bay Contracting of Virginia Beach was awarded the contract to build the new Library.

The new Anchor Branch will feature:
  • a 2000 square foot teen library and activity center
  • a 10,000 square foot children's library and early learning center
  • a computer center bringing the total to 90+ computers in the entire building
  • 3 group study rooms
  • a vending area with table and chairs and 2 outdoor gardens
  • a public program and community meeting area featuring 100 seats
  • expanded operating hours to include more nights and Sundays
  • Ocean View Station Museum office and displays
    • The Library will feature two distinct areas for Norfolk youths. The teen area will be known as the Teen Zone. It will have 20 computers, a big screen television, and plenty of room for teens. "I can't wait to use this center. I will travel across town to go there," says a teen patron. The 10,000 square foot children's library and early childhood learning center will be located on the second floor.  

     

    This children's area will be unlike any other children's library in Norfolk. It will have 20 children's computers, a baby toddler playscape, and developmentally appropriate toys and activities for kids from birth through 10 years-old. It will also offer a large programming room for children.  

     

    "We are building a library that will meet the needs of Norfolk residents today and tomorrow. This new design increases the space designated for the children's area, providing the tools needed for the library to help parents prepare their children to enter school ready to read," says Norman Maas, the Director of Norfolk Public Library. Building the new Pretlow Branch Library is the first step in fulfilling the goals and objectives of a 1998 study prepared by Providence Associates. This study called for the development of four new anchor branches and a new downtown Central Library to meet the needs of residents and improve NPL's service.  

     

    The lead architect, Ed Lazaron, from Design Collaborative, Chris Smith and Sam Russo from the City of Norfolk Public Works Department, and Ray Jennings of Ray Jennings Interior Design have worked on this project for 3 years. They worked with staff from Hanbury Evans Wright Vlattas and Company, and Siska/Aurand Landscape Architects to develop these plans based on information gathered from the public, city officials, and NPL staff.  

     

    Pretlow Branch Library re-located to a temporary location, 120 Balview Avenue on April 1, 2005. The hours for the new temporary library are: Monday and Wednesday - 10AM-8PM, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - 10AM-5:30PM, and Saturday - 10AM-5PM. The temporary site offers the same branch services, programming, and computer availability as other branch libraries.  

     

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