All four branches of the Hampton Public Library reopened on July 28, 2025, following a weekend closure for technical upgrades. The upgrades introduced Aspen Discovery, a new catalog and library management system designed to improve convenience and accessibility for library users.
The Aspen Discovery system allows patrons to customize their accounts, place holds more easily, and link accounts for families or shared users. The platform is described as more visual and user-friendly. It also integrates some existing digital collections, enhances search results, and gives customers clear information about available materials. Users can browse bestseller lists and new materials by audience and keep track of their reading history.
Patrons are now able to log into their Hampton Public Library accounts to change passwords or PIN numbers. Default passwords have been set as the customer’s year of birth. The updated catalog also provides direct links to events, online resources, and the library website, consolidating services in one location.
Library director Neva White stated: “This integrated library system helps the Hampton Public Library modernize and streamline our processes, and that will help us better serve our community and foster a more vibrant library experience.”
The recent improvements will also enable staff to conduct outreach and community events where books can be checked in or out at locations beyond the four main branches.
The four branches of the Hampton Public Library are Main (4207 Victoria Blvd.), Phoebus (1 S. Mallory St.), Northampton (936 Big Bethel Road), and Willow Oaks (227 Fox Hill Road). More information about branch locations, events, and services is available at https://hampton.gov/100/Hampton-Public-Library.
