All libraries will be closed Friday, March 29th and Sunday, March 31st for our Spring Holiday.

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

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:
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

    Baby Artsplay! Main Library

    Tue

    19

    Mar
     10:30 am - 11:00 am

     Activity Room - Main Library

    Nurturing curiosity and joy from the start! Our Baby Artsplay™ program is or infants and toddlers ages 0-4, and their caregivers and educators. The program’s monthly classes use research-based arts strategies to both suppo...

    Book Babies

    Tue

    19

    Mar
     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.

    Toddler Time

    Tue

    19

    Mar
     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.