Library of Virginia

Library of Virginia The state's oldest institution dedicated to the preservation of Virginia's history and culture.
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09/03/2026

In this virtual talk recorded at the Library of Virginia, Virginia Humanities HBCU Fellow Michelle Oliver, a financial genealogist, preservation strategist and public history researcher introduces the concept of the insurance-industrial complex of slavery to examine how insurance markets, public infrastructure and industrial enterprise converged to transform enslaved lives into risk-managed financial assets.

09/03/2026

Virginia women gained the right to vote and to run for elective office in 1920 with the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The first two women won election to the House of Delegates in 1923, but it took decades for more than a small number to be elected to the General Assembly. As recently as 2015, Virginia ranked 42nd in the nation for the number of women holding office at the state level, but women now make up one-third of both houses of the Assembly.

Learn more about Virginia women in politics by visiting the Library’s exhibition “Her Prospects of Election” on display through Dec. 18, 2026, in our lobby and learn more in this UncommonWealth blog post: https://uncommonwealth.lva.virginia.gov/blog/2021/03/03/her-prospects-of-election-virginia-women-run-for-office/

The time has come! The Virginia Literary Awards Silent Auction is officially live! You can view and start bidding on exc...
09/02/2026

The time has come! The Virginia Literary Awards Silent Auction is officially live! You can view and start bidding on exclusive packages from experiences to exciting events and visits to historical Virginia institutions. https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/valiteraryawards

Today we are highlighting a package that will bring 1776 alive! We have four tickets to Monticello the architectural masterpiece of Thomas Jefferson. You will explore the house, historic mountaintop, exhibits and the many stories of everyone, enslaved and free, who called the house home.

After taking in the historical sights, dine at MichieTavern, named one of “The South’s Most Legendary Restaurants” by Southern Living magazine. You will also receive a copy of “Saving Monticello: The Levy Family’s Epic Quest to Rescue the House that Jefferson Built” signed by the author, Marc Leepson. This package will give you an epic Virginia day!

Keep your eyes on our social media in the upcoming days to learn about more of the packages you can win.

09/01/2026

In this free talk at the Library of Virginia, New York Times bestselling author Sadeqa Johnson discusses her new book, “Keeper of Lost Children.” The book portrays how one American woman’s vision in post WWII Germany will tie together three people in an unexpected way, altering countless lives. Love — familial, parental, forbidden, and self-love — can be transcendent.

The University of Virginia Library and the Library of Virginia invite you to engage in a forward‑looking conversation ab...
09/01/2026

The University of Virginia Library and the Library of Virginia invite you to engage in a forward‑looking conversation about the role — and responsibility — of libraries in an AI-driven world of instant answers. On Sept. 22 at 6 p.m., learn what part libraries play in leading communities through today’s massive transformation in information accessibility in this timely discussion between Librarian of Virginia Dennis T. Clark and University of Virginia Dean of Libraries Leo Lo.

Cocktail reception to follow. The free event will be held at the Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad Street in Richmond. Registration is required.

Learn more and register here: https://lva-virginia.libcal.com/event/16172688

in 1807, a federal jury in Richmond acquitted former Vice President Aaron Burr of treason for his alleged plan to sepa...
09/01/2026

in 1807, a federal jury in Richmond acquitted former Vice President Aaron Burr of treason for his alleged plan to separate the western states from the new nation.

John Marshall had overseen the proceedings, and many of the most prominent names of the early federal period had been subpoenaed, including President Thomas Jefferson. The trial brought into question, among other things, the issues of executive privilege, state secrets and the independence of the executive branch.

The trial records of U.S. v. Aaron Burr are housed in the Library’s archives. Learn more at https://uncommonwealth.lva.virginia.gov/blog/2011/08/03/aaron-burr-tried-for-treason-today-in-1807-court-documents-here-at-lva/

We are excited to share that the Library of Virginia Foundation was awarded a grant from the Virginia Law Foundation to ...
08/31/2026

We are excited to share that the Library of Virginia Foundation was awarded a grant from the Virginia Law Foundation to support the preservation of two extraordinary collections at the Library of Virginia: the Legislative Petitions from Burned Counties and the Norfolk Depositions of 1777. At their Aug. 20 grant award luncheon, the Virginia Law Foundation awarded $753,000 in grants to 34 Virginia nonprofits working to advance access to justice, the Rule of Law and law-related education. The Virginia Law Foundation’s investment in the Library's project recognizes that preserving legal history is not simply about safeguarding old documents. It is about ensuring that Virginians today — and generations yet to come — can better understand the foundations of our Commonwealth, our legal system and our democracy.

Image: Library of Virginia Foundation Executive Director Scott Dodson (right) accepts the grant check at the Virginia Law Foundation's lunch.

The countdown is on — the Virginia Literary Awards Silent Auction opens in two days! This Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m....
08/31/2026

The countdown is on — the Virginia Literary Awards Silent Auction opens in two days! This Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m., you will be able to bid on packages highlighting delightful Virginia experiences. All proceeds will benefit the Library’s conservation, education and community outreach efforts.

Get a sneak peek of the items here: https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/valiteraryawards
(Be sure to "Sign Up" on the top right of the page if you want to get notifications and an auction countdown!)

P.S. These opportunities are not only for Virginia Literary Awards ticket holders. All are welcome to bid!

Address

800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA
23219

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm
Saturday 8:30am - 5pm

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+18046923500

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