Main Library

Modernization and renovation of the Main Library began in 1967 and was completed in 1972, including a facade that wrapped around the original building and a 2-story addition. This tripled the size of the original building.

804-646-4867

101 East Franklin Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219


Branch Manager - Ben Himmelfarb
Closed

Hours

Monday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
Tuesday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
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:

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

    Mini Maker Mondays

    Mon

    18

    May
     10:00 am - 11:00 am

     Activity Room - Main Library

    Visit us every third Monday at Main Library for a maker workshop designed for our youngest patrons. Let your little ones explore a variety of materials and create fridge-worthy art pieces. Come ready to get messy and leave the clean up ...

    Trivia Time!

    Mon

    18

    May
     4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

     Activity Room - Main Library

    Do you love knowledge but hate tests? Then this is the game for you! Come enjoy this pressure free trivia with lots of musical hints along the way. 

    Teen STEAM: Batik Fabric Dyeing

    Mon

    18

    May
     4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

     Teen Space - Main Library

    Did you know that hot wax can be used to create patterns in dyed fabric? Indonesian batik is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, meaning it's an integral part of Indonesia's cultural identity. Join us t...

    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.