All libraries will be closed Friday, April 18th and Sunday, April 20th for our Spring Holidays.

Main Library

In September 1972, Richmond native and author Tom Wolfe was the featured speaker at the formal dedication ceremonies, and historian Virginius Dabney was the Master of Ceremonies.
804-646-4867

101 East Franklin Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Branch Manager - Ben Himmelfarb
Closed

Hours

Tuesday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
Wednesday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
Thursday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
Friday closed: Spring Holiday
Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm:
Sunday closed: Easter Sunday
Monday 9:00am - 8:00pm:

Available Services

  • public access

    • Features

    FAXING

    Local (including 800 numbers): free
    Long Distance: free

    PRINTING/COPYING

    Prints are $.15/page for B&W, $.50/color. Copies are $.15/page, B&W only.

    NOTARY

    Notary services are available. Please call ahead for availability.

    PARKING

    Parking is available on-street around the library. There is a surface lot at 1st and E. Grace Streets and a deck at 2nd and E. Franklin Streets. The parking spaces behind the library in the lot are permit-only. Bicycle lanes have been added to East Franklin Street and the library provides bike racks for your convenience.

    WI-FI

    Free

    Westlaw Patron Access

    Access the Database

    Upcoming Events at Main Library

    Book Babies

    Tue

    15

    Apr
     10:30 am - 11:00 am

     Children's Storytime Area - Main Library

    Join us for a fun and interactive story, music and play for babies from birth to 17 months with their caregiver.

    Page Turners

    Tue

    15

    Apr
     10:30 am - 11:15 am

     Gellman Room - Main Library

    A reading group for older teens and adults with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. In collaboration with Parks and Rec. (Previously known as Between the Lines)

    Toddler Time

    Tue

    15

    Apr
     11:15 am - 12:00 pm

     Children's Storytime Area - Main Library

    Join us for fun and interactive stories, music and play for ages 18-36 months with their caregiver.

    Study Rooms and Event Spaces

    Details

    Guests are expected to configure tables and chairs, and also return them to their original configuration.
    Rooms are booked a minimum of 2 weeks in advance, and maximum of 2 months in advance.

    Event Spaces

    Main Library offers several event spaces to the public.  The auditorium has a maximum capacity of 250 and includes a lectern, 10 tables, and 225 chairs.  The Annex has a maximum capacity of 44 and offers a lectern, 8 tables and 25 chairs.  Both rooms include a ceiling-mounted LCD projector and a screen.

    Study Rooms

    Main Library offers several study rooms to the public.  These include tables and chairs to seat 8-12 people.