The City of Vestavia Hills operates through building safety, engineering, finance, information technology, public works, and fire and rescue departments. The city s parks and recreation department administers a swimming program that includes training lessons and pool rental services. The City of Vestavia Hills police department offers a range of protection services to citizens, merchants, shoppers and visitors. It provides health, educational, senior and community services. The city maintains a public library that houses more than 75,000 volumes of printed materials, periodicals and newspapers, as well as audio cassettes, compact discs and phonographs. The City of Vestavia Hills operates elementary, middle, high and alternative schools that serves over 4,500 students.