It is easy to get happily lost in the vast collections of The Library of Virginia. The building contains 83 million manuscripts and more than a million books, periodicals, newspapers, prints, photographs and maps. The items in the rare book collection provide fascinating browsing; many contain early woodcuts and lithographs. The photo collection includes a comprehensive view of the 1939 World's Fair, antique tobacco labels and currency. The Library also features changing exhibits relevant to Virginia history on the ground floor.
Website: lva.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 692-3500
Cross Streets: Between N 8th St and N 9th St
Closed now
- Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
800 E Broad St Richmond, VA 23219-1905 ·115.22 mi
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Amenities
- Accessible
- Family friendly
Reviews
tripadvisor
Went there for ancestry research. Took a break at Whisk Cafe inside. Nice to have a place to take a break. We also attended an opera presentation and lecture.
MoreI've lived in Richmond a while, and I like doing research. I don't, however, like doing research at the LVA. Staff is okay, I guess. The place has all the warmth of a hospital or train station. You have to go through a metal detector to get to the books. Gross. I do enjoy the Can Can cafe right now. But it's never been fun to interview or do research here. I'd much rather go to the city libraries or other research libraries in town for books.
MoreOne the most beautiful libraries to visit here in Virginia, however, don't come here expecting to find typical books. This place is largely reserved for genealogy and history research it'd seem.
MoreI stopped inside the Library of Virginia during my visit to Richmond in June 2021. I went inside to get out of a thunderstorm. It was very nice to look at and a good photo op. There was a very nice gift shop and the lady there was very helpful.
MoreDoing family genealogy, I was greeted in a manner only typical of southerners. The staff had no problem in dropping whatever they were doing to assist me. This is a beautiful library. Well laid out and loads of books and information. Thank you staff.
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