General Photography and Video Guidelines

Please email facilities.requests@lva.virginia.gov for more information. 

Filming and photography are permitted in the public areas of the Library.

• Personal Use: Personal cell phones or handheld cameras are permitted with a small group of no more than 4 people. 
• Professional Session: Group size is limited to 3 people, including photographer or videographer. 

• Whether personal or professional:
  • Specialized equipment is prohibited (lights or audio). 
  • The session may not exceed 1 hour.   
  • You may not film others (visitors, staff, volunteers) without written permission.   
  • The Library’s Rules for Conduct must be observed.  

Other filming and photography are permitted with approval from Library Facilities Staff.  

• The request must be approved at least 48 hours in advance. 
• Phone filming with 5+ people requires reserved space. 
• Non-Library sponsored projects (interviews/documentaries) using specialized equipment such as lights, cameras and audio require careful consideration to avoid disrupting Library operations.  
• News media must coordinate their visit with the Library’s Marketing and Communications staff. 

Restrictions 

• Must not disrupt staff, patrons or Library operations. 
• Must not interfere with the movement of visitors or block passage, including stairways, landings, doorways, exhibitions, etc. 
• Must comply with the Library’s Rules for Conduct.