All libraries will be closed December 24th - 26th for the Winter Holiday.

Main Library

The Main Library was constructed in 1929 and was originally called "The Dooley Library."

804-646-4867

101 East Franklin Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219


Branch Manager - Ben Himmelfarb
Closed

Hours

Wednesday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
Thursday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm:
Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm:
Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm:
Monday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
Tuesday 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

    STEAM Team: Holiday Book Folding

    Wed

    10

    Dec
     4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

     Activity Room - Main Library

    Want to amaze your family and friends? Join us for a special holiday book folding session. You can create an Angel, a Tree, or a Word Book art. It looks challenging but is so very easy to do. We supply the crafts and books, you supply t...

    Lit Happens

    Wed

    10

    Dec
     4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

     Teen Space - Main Library

    Lit Happens is a social read-your-own-book club where young adults read YA books of their choosing with a common monthly theme/genre. Enjoy coffee shop vibes but don’t want to spend money? Hang in our teen space, discuss books wi...

    Know Your Rights! - Police and ICE Interactions

    Wed

    10

    Dec
     6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

     

    Know Your Rights Online Workshop Series Join the Richmond Public Law Library and legal experts for this online workshop series highlighting constitutional and legal rights around such topics as Housing, Workplace Discrimination, Police...

    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.