The Main Library will be open on Monday, January 13 in a limited capacity. The first floor will be open. All other areas of the Main Library will remain closed..

Local History Resources

The Richmond Room houses local history collections and resources focusing on the greater Richmond area, though our collections span the state of Virginia. Most Richmond Room materials are available to browse anytime the Main Library is open. Appointments are encouraged for those with specific research questions and those requesting access to restricted and fragile materials. Contact us to make a research appointment or to learn more about our local history resources.

Local History Collections

  • A large collection of published materials on Richmond and Virginia history
  • City and suburban directories beginning in 1819 (covers City of Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Chester, Glen Allen, Highland Springs, Mechanicsville, Sandston, and Rockville)
  • Over 1,500 ephemera files sorted by subject and name (files include flyers, maps, photographs, documents relating to local subjects)
  • Yearbooks from local elementary, middle, high schools, and universities
  • Microfilm of local newspapers including Richmond Times Dispatch, Richmond Newsleader, Richmond Afro-American, Style Weekly, Free Press, and more
  • Over 100 local periodicals
  • Reports from City of Richmond departments
  • Richmond area phone books
  • Virginia almanacs
  • Records of local organizations including the Virginia Mechanics’ Institute, Richmond Education Association, and Rosemary Library

Online History Resources

Ancestry

(in-library use only)

Document Bank of Virginia

NewsBank

Virginia Chronicle