The Library & Community

History of the Hampton Public Library

1926 to 2006
By Elizabeth Wilson

The Hampton Public Library began as the first free county library in Virginia, when Hampton was the county seat of the then-existing Elizabeth City County. Grace Taylor Armstrong, a Hampton resident, donated $26,000 to construct a library in memory of her father, General Charles H. Taylor, publisher of the Boston Globe. Continue reading to learn more about the library's history.

Book Clubs

We are a community of readers. Find information about local and online book clubs.

Friends of the Library

Find out about our library's support organization, The Friends of the Hampton Public Library.

Hampton City Schools

Information about registration, the school calendar, employment, and more.

Teachers' Online Resources

Here are helpful links for teachers. A library card may be required for access to some sites.

Peninsula READS

With locations both in Hampton's Main Library and in the Oyster Point area of Newport News, Peninsula READS provides the literacy skills needed for adults to function more effectively in their lives and community.

Volunteering

There are opportunities to volunteer in several areas of the library. Get more information or fill out a volunteer application.