Library of Virginia
One of the oldest and finest state libraries and archives in the nation, which recently entered its third century of service to the commonwealth.
The Library of Virginia was created by the General Assembly in 1823 to organize, care for, and manage the state’s growing collection of books and official records, many of which date back to the early colonial period.
The Library occupied rooms on the third floor of the Capitol in Richmond until 1895, when Virginia erected a new Library and office building on the eastern side of Capitol Square. Outgrowing this location, the Library in 1940 moved to a handsome, new art-deco building on Capitol Street, adjacent to City Hall and the Executive Mansion. In 1997, the Library opened to the public at 800 East Broad Street, its fourth home since its founding.
View our Timeline of the Library of Virginia’s 200 Years of Service to the Commonwealth.
A part of the Library’s responsibility is to preserve and provide access to Virginia’s incomparable stories. While serving as the official state archives, we also support the records management and preservation needs of other state and public agencies and administer funding and consultation to public libraries across the commonwealth.
I hope that you will learn more about us and explore our digital collections here. I invite you to visit us in person to explore our vast onsite holdings or view our latest exhibition.
EXHIBITIONS
The Library of Virginia’s exhibition program offers physical, traveling, and virtual exhibitions that explore the commonwealth’s social and cultural history and promote interest in and use of the collections and services of the Library.
Upcoming Events
