All Libraries will be closed on Tuesday, 10/9 in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. We will reopen on Tuesday 10/10 at 10am.

Main Library

The Main Library has been part of the First Friday Art Walk since 2001.

804-646-4867

101 East Franklin Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219


Branch Manager - Ben Himmelfarb
Open
closing at 8:00pm

Hours

Thursday 10:00am - 8:00pm:
Friday 10:00am - 6:00pm:
Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm:
Sunday closed
Monday 10:00am - 8:00pm:
Tuesday 10:00am - 8:00pm:
Wednesday 10:00am - 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

    Library Card Sign Up Month

    Thu

    28

    Sep
     12:00 am - 11:59 pm

     All Locations

    Don't have a library card or need a new one? Come by any of our 9 branches and get one for free. Also check out our What's Happening page to see when Ripple will be making an appearance at your neighborhood branch.

    Preschool Storytime

    Thu

    28

    Sep
     10:30 am - 11:15 am

     Children's Storytime Area - Main Library

    Join us for our fun, interactive and educational storytime featuring books, songs, rhymes and activities! For ages 3-5 with an adult.

    Beginner Sewing Machine Class - Teens - (Session 2 - Fa...

    Thu

    28

    Sep
     5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

     Innovation Lab

    This sewing machine class is open to teens who are beginners looking to develop their sewing skills for personal use or as a marketable skill. Class is limited to six people, only registered attendees will be able to participate. Attend...

    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.

     

    Job Seekers

    The Main Library houses a Job Seekers’ Area on the second floor, as part of the computer lab. There are six terminals available for patrons who are working on applications, resumes, cover letters, and other items. One-on-one assistance is offered as during schedule times during the week.

    Art display spaces

    The Main Library is home to several distinct art spaces, including the Dooley Foyer (pictured) and takes part in First Friday exhibitions on a regular basis.  Can’t make it down to the Main Library?  Check out the exhibits here.