NORFOLK, VA—Local businessman, property owner and manager, former instructor, civil servant, and military veteran Roy E. Hendrix recognized the need for a post-COVID-19 business hub. His experience combined with the community’s need for timely and factual resources led him to fund a new center on the Slover Library third floor. New furnishings, laptops and software, and online specialized business software are offered at no charge for library card holders. Library staff are available for individual consultation, workshops and notary services.
“Locating all these services in one trusted location is a gateway to future success for our business owners as we deal with the impacts of the pandemic,” said Hendrix. Norfolk City Council members also recognized the need saying the new center is “a homerun, a place for citizens to go for resources, whether they are pros, young entrepreneurs, or small businesses. Coaching and mentoring is certainly needed.”
The idea for the center came from local small architectural firms needing study materials for their accrediting exams. They pooled their funds and placed reference materials at Slover Library where they can gather to study and learn.
The Slover Library Foundation provided equipment and furnishings, including a specially designed furniture collection for physical distancing or group study. TowneBank provided laptops for patron access to online resources and the Edwin Webster Foundation rounded out the funding for business books, materials and specialized software. Paul Fraim, President of the Slover Library Foundation, thanked Hendrix for the generous donation and matched it with foundation funds. “We support this impactful project so all citizens with library cards can avail themselves of this service at no charge. This is certainly the kind of service a dynamic library should offer,” said Fraim.
Additional Hendrix Business Center partners include Grow with Google, Norfolk Innovation Corridor, the City of Norfolk’s Economic Development Department and Small Business Outreach Team, and local businesses large and small. The Hendrix Business Center is located on the Slover Library third floor and open during library operating hours by appointment.
Slover Library Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 11 am – 4 pm
Saturday 12 pm – 5 pm
Sunday and Monday Closed