Welcome! The Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation serves the public libraries of Accomack and Northampton Counties by raising funds for programs, new materials, preservation of heritage collections, library amenities and capital projects. Founded in 2009 , the ESPL Foundation is a 501(C)(3) organization, non-profit and tax-exempt

Explore our website to learn more about our upcoming projects, partners, special events and past achievements.  You can also learn why public libraries are fundamental to the well-being of communities like ours.

 
 

Eastern Shore of Virginia Regional Library and Heritage Center Opens on Bennett Street in Parksley

Former Gov. Ralph Northam, State Sen. Lynwood Lewis and Delegate Bob Bloxom join local and library officials to cut the ribbon and formally open the new Eastern Shore of Virginia Regional Library and Heritage Center in Parksley, September 8.

Click here for Pictures and Articles covering the Grand Opening

Click here for the Shore Daily News article covering the Grand Opening

Click here for the DelMarVa Now article covering the Grand Opening

Click here for pictures of the Donor Reception

Facts & Figures

Ten Astounding Statistics from the Eastern Shore of Virginia Regional Library and Heritage Center FY 23-24 Budget Presentation

The ESPL System 2022 Fiscal Year report (July 1, 2021- June 30, 2022) highlighted: 

 

1. A collection of 112,048 volumes (6,986 new print) in the four locations: ESPL, CCML, NFL, and CIL

112,048 Total Volumes
 

2. A 39% increase in the circulation of materials and an addition of 96,889 items

 

3. An increase of 28,958 titles in E-books and audio-visual formats in response to demand, to provide access to almost a quarter million titles

 

4. An almost fivefold increase in Library visits, from 17,514 to 83,338

 

5. Support for almost 70 programs with an attendance of over 2,000 people; the new ESPRL&HC will offer space for even more programs

6. A 17% increase in library cards, reflecting an additional 848 loyal patrons

% Increase
 

7. Access to 26 public computers, at the four library locations, with outdoor Wi-Fi access available at Accomac and Nassawadox

8. A soaring increase of almost 50% in the use of the public computers, reflecting a total usage of almost 5,000

 

9. A 35% jump in Library website visits to almost 100,000

 

10. The Eastern Shore of Virginia’s new Regional Library located in Parksley is 20,837 square feet (almost double the size of the current Eastern Shore Public Library in Accomac at 11,500 sq. ft). Ok, so this is old news…but still exciting!

 
 
 

Libraries are as Relevant Today as Ever

Laura Bush's quote is as true in the current digital age as it has ever been, as libraries become both virtual and physical spaces.  Free public libraries are basic to a true democracy because they provide everyone with equal access to information and place no limits on the ideas we can explore.  

“I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.”
— Former First Lady Laura Bush

We can find almost anything on the Internet, but not everyone has access to the Internet at home, especially on the Eastern Shore.  Making online access available to everyone is essential to providing equal opportunity to all our citizens.