All libraries will be closed Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen Tuesday at our regular time.

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

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 closed: Labor Day
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

    Young Adult Film Society

    Wed

    02

    Sep
     4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

     Teen Space - Main Library

    Love movies? The Young Adult Film Society is your ticket to discovering unforgettable stories, iconic characters, and the magic of cinema -- right here at the Richmond Public Library. Each month, we'll watch and discuss a mix of cul...

    An Evening with the Authors of "After Jail, Before Free...

    Wed

    02

    Sep
     6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

     Auditorium - Main Library

    Five formerly incarcerated men and their writing teacher talk about the promise of change after jail and, at times, the reality of it. Joined together by their experience in a writing class at the Richmond City Jail in 2006, which led t...

    Preschool Storytime

    Thu

    03

    Sep
     10:30 am - 11:15 am

     Main Children's Dept.

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

    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.