Reference Services 

One or more reference librarians are on duty all of the hours that the library is open, and will assist you when you need help finding information, using library resources, or selecting books for recreational reading.  Phone-in reference service is also available (455-6310).  The library also maintains a large collection of Internet links.

Free access to the Internet is available at both the main and branch libraries.  Users must agree to the library's Internet Use Policy.  Each of the main and branch libraries also has computers available for word processing (Microsoft Word).  For more information, call 455-6310 (Main) or 455-3820 (Branch).  We also offer a free wireless connection Hot Spot at both libraries.

Electronic Magnifiers 

Aladdin Rainbow Reader, an electronic magnifier which allows a visually impaired reader to view written documents and color photographs, has been donated to the Lynchburg Public Library by the Virginia Department of the Visually Handicapped.  The machines are being placed in libraries across the state, and the Lynchburg Public Library was chosen for the convenience of its location and its extended hours.  The new machine replaces a smaller, 10-year old model that was donated by the Lynchburg Exchange Club.  The older model is now located in the Downtown Branch Library and will continue to be used there.

Interlibrary Loan Service 

ILL is available to all Lynchburg Public Library card holders.  Materials can be requested at the information/reference desk.  Photocopies of journal articles can be requested as well.   There is a charge of $2.00 for each ILL request.  For more information, or if you need to renew a title obtained through ILL, please call Mrs. Thompson at 455-6310.

Fax transmission service is available at the adult reference desk at the main library, and at the downtown branch.  We will send faxes only; no receiving.  Cost is $1.00 per page.  Cover sheets are optional and cost $1.00.

The library welcomes the donation of books or audio-visual materials. All gift items are considered for addition to the library’s collections; they must meet established collection development criteria. Items which are not added may be donated to another local institution where they may be of benefit to the community or sold on the library’s sale rack. Proceeds from the sale rack are used to benefit the library.

• Tributes and Memorials: Books, CDs, videos and other items may be donated to the library in memory of or in honor of an individual or group. The library welcomes the opportunity to work with the donor to select an appropriate title or item. Whenever possible, a bookplate with the names of the person memorialized or honored and the donor will be placed in the item. The library will notify the appropriate individuals or families of the gift.
• Gifts to the library are tax-deductible; the library will send a letter of acknowledgement for tax purposes. By law, the library may not assign a dollar value to the donated items.

The library has a Business Collection of various periodicals and books of interest to local business people.  We also have a Small Business Resources collection, helpful to anyone wanting to start his/her own business.

The library's book discussion group, Speaking of Books, meets on the third Wednesday of the month, usually at 1 PM.  Participants have discussed such books as Plainsong by Kent Haruf,  Rose's Garden by Carrie Brown, and At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon.  We have been pleased to host authors such as Carrie Brown, John Gregory Brown, and Alice Heard Williams.  We have also participated in author phone chats with Donna Woolfolk Cross and Amanda Eyre Ward.  New members are always welcome!

Main Library

Youth Services

Martin Luther King, Jr. Center

Public Law Library

Information Resources

Local Legislators