How to get a Library Card | Circulation Procedures

Registration | Loan Procedures | Renewals | Copies
Fines | Reserve Policy

Registration

ALL Patrons of The Library of Virginia must register to use books from our closed stacks. Residents of Virginia, 18 years and over, may borrow circulating library materials. Photo identification, proof of residence and current address are required.  Failure to provide proof of current residence within 90 days will result in loss of borrowing privileges.  It is the Patron's responsibility to inform us of changes in address or residence.  

Library Card Application Form

These forms are PDF documents and can be printed and filled out before you visit.

Library Card Application From

Parent/Guardian Consent Form

Bring in the completed application and proof of current address to register for a library card.

A fee of $5.00 is charged to replace lost cards.

Note: Patrons visiting the Archives Research Room to use archival collection material should be aware of the Policies and Procedures governing the use of archival materials. There is a separate registration process for the Archives Research Room. The Archives Research Room is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Loan Procedures

The loan period is 28 days for circulating materials. Serials, microfilm, microfiche, materials published prior to 1926, reference, and selected materials are non-circulating. Microfilm and microfiche are circulated through ILL only. It is at the Library's discretion to designate materials as non-circulating due to policy, age, condition, or special circumstances.

A registered patron must present a valid library card to check out materials.  For those Patrons without a valid card, borrowing privileges will be limited to three items with proper identification. After three visits using identification, purchase of a replacement card is required.

There is a limit of 15 total items that may be checked out per patron at any one time.

Patrons who owe fines or have overdue materials will not be allowed to check out additional items.

Renewals

Circulating material may be renewed one time for 28 days from the date of the renewal. At the end of the renewal period, items must be returned to the Library of Virginia collection for two weeks prior to a second checkout period by the same patron.  

Materials may be renewed by phone at 804-692-3547, online using "My Account," or in person.

Items on reserve may not be renewed. 

Copies

The Library requires use of a copy (debit) card to use its copiers and printers.  The library card may be used as a copy card, or you may purchase a copy card from the designated machines.

Fines

A fine of 25 cents per day (including Sundays) per item is charged on overdue items. State holidays are excluded. A fee of $25.00 is charged for all returned checks.

Reserve Policy

Material currently in circulation may be placed on reserve for registered patrons. Patrons will be contacted by telephone, email, or mail when the reserved material is available. Reserved material will be held at the circulation desk for two weeks. Microfilm on reserve is held for two days.