Richmond Public Library is your public library. Although books are in our DNA, public libraries of today are so much more. In the spirit of holiday giving, we are presenting (see what we did there?) a series of blog posts highlighting all of the resources available to you — in the library, or at home — to become a Richmond Public Library power user. All you need is a library card. Don’t have a library card? Find out how to get one here.
Are you looking for a sample operating agreement for an LLC? Do you want to draft a Power of Attorney? Maybe you would like to find potential grants for the community group you volunteer for? Perhaps you just want to know more about how our legal system works. Richmond Public Library can help!
The Business, Law, and Nonprofit section of the Richmond Room is your resource to get answers to legal questions. You can access legal forms and court documents, even get connected to workshops and legal services in Richmond.
First, take a look at our new Legal Resource Guide. This guide is a comprehensive source for free and low-cost legal services in the greater Richmond area. It has alphabetical subject sections on business law, nonprofit support, housing law, family law, immigration and more. Over eighteen areas of the law are covered in the guide!
Next, check out the upcoming workshops on our calendar of events. There are over 20 workshops already scheduled for 2024 at various library locations. Learn about estate planning, wills and medical directives. Hear from legal experts on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. Find out what you need to know to start a nonprofit or small business.
Richmond Public Library also has many online resources at your fingertips. Some can be accessed remotely through our website; others must be accessed through library locations.
Online business resources include:
- accel5 – Explore a unique business library, featuring videos, book summaries, and articles on professional development, leadership theory, and business best practices
- Mergent Intellect – Locate company data and contact info, explore consumer data and demographic groups, or conduct residential searches
- Universal Class – Over 100 business classes on topics such as business management, advertising, budgeting and accounting
Online legal resources include:
- Gale Legal Forms – Your online source for Virginia specific legal forms such as divorce, wills, name change, and business operating documents
- Westlaw – Provides free access to case law, statutes and regulations from all state and federal jurisdictions, as well as various secondary sources, forms, and briefs (access at any branch location)
- Lexis – Features Virginia Annotated Code, Michie’s Jurisprudence legal encyclopedia, and Virginia Forms along with many other Virginia specific resources (access at Main Library)
Online nonprofit resources include:
- Foundation Center – Contains the most comprehensive database on U.S. grant makers and their grant processes (access at Main Library)
- Guidestar – Access comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate information on over 1.8 million nonprofit organizations (access at Main Library)
The amount of information we house can be overwhelming! But fear not, our friendly library staff is here to help. We are always available to guide you to the information you need. You have questions, we have answers.
Need a little extra help? No problem. The Law Librarian (that’s me) is available for one-on-one appointments. If you have detailed questions about business, law, or nonprofit resources, simply email me at Charles.Schmidt@rva.gov or call 804-646-6500.
And, be sure to check back to read all the Shelf Respect posts on Twelve Days of Richmond Public Library
