Library of Virginia

ABOUT

The Library of Virginia is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s library and archives and a trusted educational institution. Founded in 1823, the Library of Virginia is the oldest cultural organization in the Commonwealth with the important purpose of collecting, preserving, and making accessible Virginia’s history. Importantly, the Library also advances the development of library and records management services statewide.

The Library cares for the most comprehensive collection of materials—more than 130 million items—on Virginia government, history, and culture in the world. Among these treasures are some of our nation’s most influential documents such as Virginia’s 1789 copy of the proposed U.S. Bill of Rights, Jefferson’s Act for Establishing Religious Freedom, Mason’s copy of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and the Virginia Convention of 1776 records.

The Library's printed, manuscript, map, and photographic collections attract researchers from across the country and the world, while the Library's websites provide collection-based content and access to our digital collections to those at great distances who are not able to travel to Richmond.

In addition to managing and preserving its collections, the Library supplies research and reference assistance to state officials, provides consulting services to state and local government agencies and to Virginia's public libraries, administers numerous federal, state, and local grant programs, publishes award-winning books on Virginia history, provides educational programs and resources on Virginia history and culture for students and teachers, and offers the public a wide array of exhibitions, lectures, book-signings, and other programs.

HISTORY

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.

Today, the Library, recognized by its peer institutions as a leader in historic preservation and public accessibility, houses the most comprehensive collection of materials on Virginia government, history, and culture available anywhere. The collections illustrate the rich and varied past of the commonwealth, documenting the lives of Virginians whose deeds are known to all, as well as those of ordinary citizens whose accomplishments are the foundation of our heritage.

GRANT PROJECT

The Americana Corner Preserving America grant awarded to the Library of Virginia supported the conservation of the Virginia Convention of 1776 collection with an eye towards celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary. The Virginia Convention of 1776 collection will form a foundational base for the commemoration’s educational resources and increase public engagement.

The Virginia Convention of 1776 records consist of a vast array of first person accounts that provide historical insight into Virginia’s five revolutionary conventions held from August 1, 1774 to July 5, 1776. An important part of the Library’s Colonial Records of State Government, the Virginia Convention collection contains accounts, correspondence, journals, and minutes from such notable founding fathers as Patrick Henry, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.

Americana Corner is proud to assist the Library of Virginia with its mission to preserve the Great American Story and to help our fellow citizens grow their love of country.