Main Library

In September 1972, Richmond native and author Tom Wolfe was the featured speaker at the formal dedication ceremonies, and historian Virginius Dabney was the Master of Ceremonies.

804-646-4867

101 East Franklin Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219


Branch Manager - Ben Himmelfarb
Open
closing at 5:00pm

Hours

Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm:
Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm:
Monday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
Tuesday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
Wednesday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
Thursday 9:00am - 8:00pm:
Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm:

Available Services

  • public access
  • Features

    FAXING

    Local (including 800 numbers): free
    Long Distance: free

    PRINTING/COPYING

    Prints are $.15/page for B&W, $.50/color. Copies are $.15/page, B&W only.

    NOTARY

    Notary services are available. Please call ahead for availability.

    PARKING

    Parking is available on-street around the library. There is a surface lot at 1st and E. Grace Streets and a deck at 2nd and E. Franklin Streets. The parking spaces behind the library in the lot are permit-only. Bicycle lanes have been added to East Franklin Street and the library provides bike racks for your convenience.

    WI-FI

    Free

    Westlaw Patron Access

    Access the Database

    Upcoming Events at Main Library

    Friends of the Library Book Sale

    Sat

    02

    May
     10:00 am - 4:00 pm

     Main

    The semi-annual event we've all been waiting for! Join the Friends of Richmond Public Library for their Spring Book Sale. Bring a bag and pick up some great deals on books, CDs, DVDs, and more. The Spring Book Sale Hours are as fol...

    May The Fourth Escape Room

    Sat

    02

    May
     10:30 am - 4:30 pm

     Activity Room - Main Library

    Star Wars inspired Escape Room. The Death Star is coming and you are the Rebel Alliance's only hope. It is up to you and your ragtag team of 2 to 6 Rebels to stop them! You have 30 minutes to defeat the Empire and save the galaxy. Y...

    It's a Vibe

    Sun

    03

    May
     1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

     Teen Space - Main Library

    It's a Vibe is a relaxing young adult hangout where you can color, sketch, do puzzles/board games, or bring your own knitting/crochet projects to work on while listening to music or hanging with friends. Join us from 1-3 on Sun...

    Study Rooms and Event Spaces

    Details

    Guests are expected to configure tables and chairs, and also return them to their original configuration.
    Rooms are booked a minimum of 2 weeks in advance, and maximum of 2 months in advance.

    Event Spaces

    Main Library offers several event spaces to the public.  The auditorium has a maximum capacity of 250 and includes a lectern, 10 tables, and 225 chairs.  The Annex has a maximum capacity of 44 and offers a lectern, 8 tables and 25 chairs.  Both rooms include a ceiling-mounted LCD projector and a screen.

    Study Rooms

    Main Library offers several study rooms to the public.  These include tables and chairs to seat 8-12 people.