About Us

The Library of Virginia—the Commonwealth’s state library and archives—is the leading source of information on Virginia’s history, government and people. Housing more than 134 million items, the Library’s collections document and illustrate the lives of both famous Virginians and everyday citizens. 

The Library offers research and reference support to state officials, consulting services to public libraries and government agencies across the state, and administers a range of federal, state and local grant programs. We also provide robust educational resources and programming on Virginia history and culture for students and educators, along with exhibitions, lectures, author talks, and public events open to all. Each year, our online offerings draw nearly 2 million visits, while our on-site activities welcome thousands of attendees.

Beyond our main building in downtown Richmond, the Library also oversees the State Records Center in Henrico County, which stores inactive, non-permanent records from state and local agencies.

VISION
The Library of Virginia will inspire learning, ignite imagination, create possibilities, encourage understanding, and engage Virginia's past to empower its future.

MISSION
As the Commonwealth's library and archives, the Library of Virginia is a trusted educational institution. We acquire, preserve, and promote access to unique collections of Virginia's history and culture and advance the development of library and records management services statewide.

History of the Library

The Library of Virginia was created by the General Assembly in 1823 to organize, care for and manage the state's growing collection of books and official records — many of which date back to the early colonial period. The Library occupied rooms on the third floor of the Capitol in Richmond until 1895, when Virginia erected a new Library and office building on the eastern side of Capitol Square. Outgrowing this location, the Library in 1940 moved to a handsome, new art deco building on Capitol Street, adjacent to City Hall and the Executive Mansion. In 1997, the Library opened to the public at 800 East Broad Street, its fourth home since its founding. The Library celebrated its bicentennial in 2023.