Library of Virginia

One of the most impressive libraries I've ever been. Not only is it beautiful but it is an amazing place to locate your family history. They have film, books with indexed information, a large area is dedicated to genealogy and history. This was a very helpful visit and great experience.

If you have time because you'll need it and your family comes from Virginia this is a good place to find information. The staff is friendly and helpful giving you pointers, they can lead you to locating information. I was able to find a document from the early 1800s regarding the marriage of my ancestors, it was amazing.

This Library offers more than just books for you to view it offers a window into history, life and Virginia the good and the bad.

Wonderful collections and staff.

Thanks for all your assistance these past two days.

Amazing what you can find here...

I left Virginia in 2000 when I went to college, but I always visit this library when I'm home seeing my family. It's so comfortable, beautiful, and blessedly quiet. The security is annoying, and the parking garage is kind of a headache, but if you can get street parking, it's the best. Love working here.

The early close can be a bummer, but it's a small price to pay.

I walked in and was asked by front desk person what did I want. Well to visit & see the library! Not very welcoming at all!

I'm a writer so I've spent my fair share of time in libraries doing research. Next to the New York Public Library, this is my favorite. It's kind of like the National Archives, but for the state. They have old plantation records and all manner of documents from life in the Old Dominion, as well as special exhibits.

It's also just a cool building and good library with Wi-Fi , free parking, and lots of good work space. Add the smell of books and what more could you ask for? A café perhaps? It's got one and it's an offshoot of Max's Positive Vibe, one of the coolest ideas in RIchmond restaurant history.

They train people with cognitive or physical disabilities and help them find paying jobs, and it's been wildly successful. Now they're dishing up good food and good vibes at the Library.

There's also a cool shop, called the Virginia Shop, that has art and all other things that hail from our great state.

Huge library! I have not been to a library in a while. Upon entering there is some security you have to go through. After that, you have entered a huge lobby area and the staircase goes up to the library. I didn't really wander around that much as I had to get some work done. But it is pretty large and there are lots of tables to work at. The chairs are SUPER comfortable! And the best part is that they have outlets close by.

I did have a drink in hand as I walked in and didn't see any signs of no food or drinks. But someone approached me and mentioned that beyond the entry point there are no drinks allowed. So I had to chug my latte- I was almost done anyways.

Computers available for printing for a small price. Overall, very nice library for some quite work or reading. Super nice staff and clean library overall.

I do genealogy research and the Library of Virginia is a real treasure.

The space itself is exceptional. Open, spacious, lots of natural light, wifi and many comfortable areas to read and study. You can also park in the their underground garage.

Their holdings on all things Virginia are extensive - court records, archival records, newspapers, maps, journals, etc, and many are available on-line.

The library was very clean and comfortable. I am not from the area but had to get work done so I can here for a quiet space and got just that.

I usually hate libraries. With a vengeance. I was that kid in college who always needed comfortable places to study and the library just wasn't one of them. Don't even talk to me about those fluorescent lights and the people who talk just to be buttheads.

When the internet at my house failed me this morning, I decided I needed to get out of the house. So, I chose to go to the library! I love taking advantage of the warm days in RVA. Our city is so beautiful and I knew that going to the library then taking a stroll to a nearby café for lunch would be the perfect day.

You should know that there is a free parking deck underneath the building. I fought for street parking and then once I walked into the library I realized that that was a dumb idea because the nice lady at the desk informed me about the parking deck. Perf.

So, off I went into a nice little spot on the 2nd floor to perch for the day. The lighting in the library wasn't annoying. Check! The chairs promoted good posture. Check! There weren't annoying people who talked the whole time. Check! I admitted that I was a total n00b and none of the workers judged me. Check! You know what, Library of VA, we're gonna be best friends. As long as the weather's nice, I'll be there keeping my new spot warm.

I live in New Mexico and my ancestors were from Virginia, so I order microfilms on loan to do my research.

I am so pleased with their service, the films arrive in about two weeks and you have three weeks to review them before returning. I usually call ahead and verify that the film I am ordering is correct. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable.

I've never physically visited the library but their microfilm offerings are extensive.