Library of Virginia Open to Researchers by Appointment, Tues–Fri, 10 AM–4 PM
The Exhibition Gallery and the Virginia Shop have also reopened with limited hours
The Library of Virginia’s reading rooms are open to researchers by advance appointment. During this current reopening phase, researchers will be able to use the collections by appointment Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM– 4:00 PM.
Our Exhibition Gallery has reopened to visitors. Come see We Demand: Women's Suffrage in Virginia any time during the Library’s current hours, Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. No ticket or reservation needed. This free exhibition reveals how women created two statewide organizations to win the right to vote. Face coverings are required for entry into the building and visitors to the Gallery are limited to 10 people at a time.
The Virginia Shop at the Library is now open to the public two days a week—Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. The shop offers books, gifts, souvenirs, décor, and other items for history lovers and the literaryminded. Customers must wear face coverings and go through the Library’s current entry screening process.
How to schedule a research appointment:
- To make a general appointment to use the Library (books and magazines, computers, microfilm), please call 804.692.3800.
- To make an appointment to use original archival materials that have not been microfilm or digitized, please call Archives Reference Services at 804.692.3888.
- To make an appointment to see maps, rare books, architectural drawings, photographs, or ephemera, please call Special Collections at 804.692.3703
- If your call goes to voicemail, please leave a message including your name, phone number, email address, and topic of research, along with your preferred date and time for your appointment. A staff member will call you back or email you as quickly as possible.
If you cannot keep your appointment or need to change it, please call the Library. We reserve the right to cancel your appointment if you do not arrive within 30 minutes of your appointment time.
COVID-19, which prompted the Library’s closing to the public in mid-March, continues to pose a serious public health risk. The Library’s reopening process includes new health and safety protocols based on the latest guidance from the Governor’s Office, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What to expect when returning to the Library:
- Appointments required to use the reading rooms in order to ensure space availability on a researcher’s preferred date
- Signage describing coronavirus symptoms – Please do not enter the building if you feel unwell or have a fever
- Face coverings required in the building at all times
- Physical distancing of six feet required in all public spaces
- Face masks and hand sanitizer available for the public
- Frequent cleaning of restrooms and surfaces in public areas throughout the day
- Returned books quarantined for three days before being available for use again
- Our conference rooms and the reading room at the State Records Center will remain closed
For additional information about what to expect on your visit, please see our COVID-19 Update: Guidelines for Researchers, which will be updated regularly. And watch our new "Reopening Guidelines for Visitors" video at lva.virginia.gov/about/visit.asp.
Staff members are still available to respond to your questions and research inquiries by email or phone. For Library Reference assistance, call 804.692.3777 or email refdesk@lva.virginia.gov. For Archives Reference assistance, call 804.692.3888 or email archdesk@lva.virginia.gov.
Please visit our website at lva.virginia.gov and follow us on social media to find online resources, virtual events, and other ways to engage with the Library
Using the Collections lva.virginia.gov/public/using_collections.asp
News & Events Calendar lva.virginia.gov/news/
Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate this unprecedented situation together.
September 10, 2020
