The Janaf Branch of Norfolk Public Library opened in 1966. It is named for the shopping center, which is an acronym for “Joint Army, Navy, Air Force.” Janaf, Inc. was formed by retired U. S. Navy officer James Beazley as an investment organization catering to active and retired members of the military. The future site of the shopping center was purchased in 1954, and the first phase of Janaf Shopping Center opened in December 1959.