Library of Virginia - Richmond

Address:800 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia
Tel: (804) 692-3500

Get lost in the vast collections of the Virginia Library! From microfilms to lithographs, visitors here have plenty of State history and local culture to explore and enjoy.

The Library of Virginia houses a comprehensive collection of materials on Virginian government, history and culture, including more than 808,500 bound volumes, 678,790 public documents and 410,330 microforms. In addition, there are 101.8 million manuscript items and records and several hundred thousand prints, broadsides and newspapers here. The rare book collection has fascinating early woodcuts and lithographs and the photo collection gives visitors a view of the 1939 World's Fair through antique tobacco labels and old currency.

Forty-five-minute tours that give an orientation and brief overview of the building, plus a showing of the current exhibition, are available for visitors. Guests are also welcome to grab a bite at the a la cart café, which serves everything from homemade soup to gourmet meals. The Library store also has a variety of publications, gifts and decorative accessories that either directly relate to, or are inspired by the collections, exhibitions and programs of the Library of Virginia.

To get here from Interstate 95, take exit 74C. A highway sign will say Library of Virginia. Proceed west on Broad Street until you reach 9th Street. Turn right and immediately get into the far left lane. Proceed down the block and prepare to turn left into the parking deck. The Library of Virginia is a rich piece of Virginia's history you won't want to miss.