History
The first precursor to today's Richmond Public Library was established in 1907 by the Women's Improvement Club of Richmond. In 1910, the library was closed and the 1,500 volumes became the nucleus of the the City's Library. In 1929, a 12,000 volume library, with construction funded by Andrew Carnegie, was opened. In 1949, the 100,000 volume library in the Civic Center of Richmond was opened. In 1975, the Library established an extension division including two community branches, the West Side in Point Richmond and Bayview in the Crescent Park neighborhood as well as a bookmobile which provides services primarily to students at area schools. In recent years the Library has sought out opportunities for collaborative partnerships to expand and improve library services with a focus on outreach and taking service delivery out into the community.
Specialties
The Richmond Public Library provides a wide variety of enriching programs and materials for children, teens, and adults. In addition to books in print and digital, librarians offer regular storytimes, STEAM programs, craft activities, and interactive games.