Virginia Beach, Virginia
Why Virginia Beach Has Trusted Its History to Kofile for 20+ Years
“Kofile has been a long-time vendor that we’ve been able to count on without fail.”
Tina Sinnen, Clerk of the Circuit Court
Population: 454,808
Age of oldest record: 1600s
The need: To preserve the town’s oldest records, ensuring they would remain available for decades to come.
A Partnership Built over Decades
For more than two decades, the Virginia Beach Clerk’s Office has entrusted Kofile with preserving the city’s oldest and most valuable records. The partnership began with a simple need: protecting the city’s history for future generations. From the very first project, the Clerk’s Office recognized Kofile’s integrity, consistency, and care. Over the years, that trust has grown.
“We have a trusting relationship with a company that has done what they’ve said they’re going to do and then some,” said Clerk of the Circuit Court Tina Sinnen. “Kofile goes above and beyond with customer service.”
Preserving History with Integrity
The Clerk’s Office manages thousands of historic deeds, city council minutes, chancery records, and charter books, many of which are centuries old. Several of Virginia Beach’s books have faded or physically deteriorated. Some are too delicate to scan or handle, and past restoration methods from other vendors caused ink loss and paper damage. Kofile’s team has offered transparent guidance to ensure that preservation never compromises original materials.
“Some books are so fragile. Kofile tells us honestly when a book is beyond what can safely be done,” Sinnen said.
The preservation services that Kofile provides include cleaning, deacidification, rebinding, and protective storage. Each project is funded through a grant from the Library of Virginia. To help them decide which books should be preserved with the limited funds, the Clerk’s Office relies on the advice of one of Kofile’s experts, Brian Spearman.
“If we had any questions with regard to preservation, he would be the one I would call. I just trust him,” Sinnen said.
Spearman works closely with the Clerk’s Office to schedule annual preservation projects and meet funding timelines. He personally picks up and delivers every volume.
“We’ve never had to call and ask where the books are,” said Land Records Supervisor Pam Walizer. “Brian always keeps us updated and brings them back himself. You can’t ask for better communication.”
A Legacy of Commitment and Service
Through Kofile’s specialized preservation methods, Virginia Beach’s centuries-old records are being restored to stability and readability. Each project protects not just the physical books but the stories and civic history they hold.
“Preservation is at the core of what clerks do. We scan and preserve not for next week, but for people long after we’re gone,” Sinnen said. “When I retire, I would like to leave this office saying: ‘With the aid of Kofile, we did it right, and the records are preserved correctly.’”
The 20-year partnership between Kofile and the City of Virginia Beach is grounded in honesty, professionalism, and mutual respect.
“They’ve been a tried and true vendor — easy to deal with and personable to work with. You don’t find all of that together,” said Sinnen.
Together, Kofile and the Clerk’s Office continue to safeguard the legacy of Virginia Beach.
“They gave us no reason at all to even go to the other vendor. We’re just happy with them,” said Sinnen. “More than happy.”
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