Plan Your Visit

To find archival collections held at the Library of Virginia, search our catalog. Our Catalog User Guide provides detailed instructions for requesting materials. Note that not all records are cataloged. If you do not find what you are looking for, please ask us for assistance.

Archival collections are available in the following formats:

• Digital collections
• Microfilm, including county and city microfilm
• Original materials, which may be viewed in the Archives Research Room

The Archives Research Room is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and select Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The room closes daily between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Materials must be requested at least 30 minutes before the room closes.

Original records and newspapers are served in the Archives Research Room. You must present a valid Library of Virginia card in order to use the Archives Research Room.

Please visit our Ask a Research Question page to discuss your research needs before you visit. Some collections are stored at an off-site location and must be requested before your visit.

To find publications held at the Library of Virginia, search our catalog. Our Catalog User Guide provides detailed instructions for requesting materials.

Publications are available in the following formats:

• Physical books, journals, and newspapers
• Digital collections
• Newspapers on microfilm
• Subscription databases

Items with a location of Special Collections are available to view in our Special Collections reading room. Before you visit, we encourage you to make an appointment.

Free Wi-Fi is provided in all public areas. Our network is LVA-Guest, and there is no password. Please note that the network is unsecured.

Computers are available in our reading rooms on a first-come, first-served basis, without time limits. These computers do not provide access to social media or streaming video.

All computers include Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A computer with the JAWS screen reader is available for users with visual impairment.

We offer self-service copying and printing during reading room hours. Please note that we do not offer wireless printing, fax, or notary services.

A Library of Virginia card is required to copy or print. Our payment kiosks accept bills or credit/debit cards, and they do not give change.

We offer black-and-white copies and prints only. Fees are as follows:

• Archives Research Room and microfilm copies/prints: $0.50/page
• Computer prints: $0.25/page (black & white)
• Photocopies: $0.25/page

Free, self-service book scanners are available for use with books and personal documents. One book scanner is full color, and two are black-and-white. A USB flash drive is required to scan.

A document scanner is available for use in the Archives Research Room. To use the scanner, you must bring a personal laptop. Scanner software must be installed prior to your visit. For instructions, see our Archives Research Room Rules.

Materials served in the Special Collections Reading Room include:

• Architectural drawings and plans
• Broadsides, rare books, and sheet music
• Ephemera
• Maps
• Prints and photographs
• State Art Collection

Special Collections is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and select Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The room closes daily between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Appointments are encouraged. Special Collections researchers must have a current Library of Virginia card.