Welcome to the Richmond Room
The Richmond Room is the home of Richmond Public Library’s Business, Law, and Nonprofit resources. It also houses our Local History and Special Collections. To make the most of your time, call or email us ahead of your visit to confirm a time when staff is available in the Richmond Room.
Law Library
Legal research materials free and open to all.
Local History and Genealogy Resources
Local history and genealogy collections and resources.
Nonprofit Resources
Resources for nonprofit organizations, governance and fundraising.
Richmond Room FAQ
Common questions about the Richmond Room.
Small Business Resources
Services, programs, and resources to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Special Collections
Richmond’s historical treasures: newspapers, maps, authors and ephemera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Richmond Room located?
The Richmond Room is located on the first floor of the Main Library at 101 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
Can I check out materials from the Richmond Room?
The materials in the Richmond Room are non-circulating reference materials, meaning they cannot be checked out. You are able to scan, copy, and take photographs of items.
What local history resources are available in the Richmond Room?
Print resources include books on Richmond and Virginia history, local periodicals, ephemera files, and city directories. Online resources offered by RPL include NewsBank, Ancestry, Heritage Hub, and African-American Heritage Quest.
Do you offer digitization services or equipment?
For self-service digitization and history projects, visit our Memory Lab on the second floor of the Main Library.
What are Richmond Public Library’s Special Collections?
Special Collections at the Main Library include city archives, local periodicals, zines, rare children’s books, and more. For more information about these collections and how to access them, visit our Special Collections page.
Who do I contact for more information about local history resources or Special Collections?
For questions about the Richmond Room and Special Collections, please contact please contact RichmondRoom@rva.gov or (804) 646-0117.