The Blyden Branch Library serves over 43,000 City residents and is a part of the Norfolk Public Library. Established in 1921, the Blyden Branch was the first library for African Americans approved by a municipality in Virginia. The library system maintains 550,511 volumes and circulates approximately 823,560 items per year. The library provides books, sketchbooks, DVDs, electronic materials, WiFi hotspots, a computer lab, printers, meeting rooms, a kid's zone, and various programs for all ages.