Main Library will be closed Sunday, August 16th for various cleaning/facilities work. It will reopen Monday at 9am.

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
Open
closing at 6:00pm

Hours

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

    Storytime Break August 1-15

    Fri

    14

    Aug
     9:00 am - 5:00 pm

     All Locations

    All branches are on storytime break from August 1st-15th.

    Tunes & Toons: "Paw Patrol"

    Fri

    14

    Aug
     10:00 am - 11:00 am

     Auditorium - Main Library

    Get the wiggles out with songs and activities, then sit for a special cartoon show. Best for ages 2-5. 

    Storytime Break August 1-15

    Sat

    15

    Aug
     9:00 am - 5:00 pm

     All Locations

    All branches are on storytime break from August 1st-15th.

    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.