Bookmobile Central Crozet Gordon Greene Louisa Nelson Northside Scottsville Albemarle-Charlottesville Historical Society
Newly Received Items Internet Links by Subject Ask a J-MRL Librarian Emergency Preparedness UVA Library Catalog Go to Monticello Avenue
Adults Teens Kids Book Group Info Readers' Corner Staff Picks Volunteer!
My Account Ask a J-MRL Librarian FAQs Borrowing Policies Meeting Rooms Special Collections Internet Services
About J-MRL Contact Us Branch Schedules How Can I Help? Job Opportunities J-MRL Policy Manual Five-Year Plan (PDF) Friends of the Library

Central Library

Central Library Hours:
Monday - Thursday : 9am - 9pm
Friday - Saturday : 9am - 5pm
Sunday - 1pm - 5pm
(Closed Sundays Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Phone: 434.979.7151
Fax: 434.971.7035
contact Central Library

Jump to: Adult Programs | Teen Programs | Kids Programs | Volunteer!

Programs for Adults

"Master the Art of Reading" at the Library's Adult Summer Reading Program.
June 8 – August 1 more info

Brown Baggers Book Group

On the third Thursday of the month bring your lunch and discuss fiction and non-fiction books. Library staff will provide value-added content and lead the discussion. Drinks and desserts will be provided. Sign up to be added to the email list. (RSS for Events)

Want to see what we've already read? Try Searching the calendar.

Brown Baggers Book Group

LOVING FRANKLOVING FRANK by Nancy Horan

July 16, 2009
12:00 pm

Fact and fiction blend in a historical novel that chronicles the relationship between seminal architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Cheney, from their meeting, when they were each married to another, to the clandestine affair that shocked Chicago society. Check the catalog bullet

Brown Baggers Book Group

NETHERLANDNETHERLAND by Joseph O'Neill

August 20, 2009
12:00 pm

Abandoned amid the offbeat inhabitants of the Chelsea Hotel when his English wife and son return to London following September 11th, Hans, a banker originally from the Netherlands, struggles to find himself in his adopted country. Check the catalog bullet

Brown Baggers Book Group

marchMARCH by Geraldine Brooks

September 17, 2009
12:00 pm

In a story inspired by the father character in "Little Women" and drawn from the journals and letters of Louisa May Alcott's father, a man leaves behind his family to serve in the Civil War and finds his beliefs challenged by his experiences. Check the catalog bullet

Documentary Film Series

The fourth Thursday of the month, come view and discuss documentary films on current issues. Light refreshments will be provided. Sign up to be added to the film email list. (RSS for Events) New projection system!

Documentary Film Series

ROY ROGERS: KING OF THE COWBOYS

July 23, 2009
7:00 pm

Movie
Traces the life of Roy Rogers from his humble beginnings as a radio singer & guitar player to matinee idol who starred in over 100 films. Highlights his relationship with his wife and co-star, Dale Evans, and includes footage from film and TV.

Documentary Film Series

HIGH LONESOME: THE STORY OF BLUEGRASS MUSIC directed by Rachel Liebling

August 27, 2009
7:00 pm

Movie
An impassioned portrait of a true American musical art form, with archival images of country life. Featuring Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe, and a young Alison Krause.


SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL: Basic Drawing Techniques

Part of the Adult Summer Reading Program: "Master the Art of Reading"

August 01, 2009
10:00 am

Registration is required. Call 979.7151 ext4
This program is for adults (age 18 and older). Come and have a good time learning basic drawing techniques with Art Teacher, Elizabeth Knight. Pen, pencil, charcoal, paints, paper and fun will be provided.

Virginia Blood Services: Blood Drive

July 03, 2009
9:00 am

9am - 1pm
Someone's life depends on you! Donate blood at the Library. Can you donate?
Donors will get a randomly selected prize.

History of McIntire and Central Library

Albemarle Library Society
Albemarle Library Society

The first known library in downtown Charlottesville was created in 1823 by a group of citizens that included Thomas Jefferson. The “Albemarle Library Society” boasted an initial collection of 238 titles. This village library was located at “Number Nothing” in Court Square (a site now occupied by 224 Court Square). A public subscription library, the society was incorporated by the Virginia General Assembly and lasted at least until 1834. It was not until 1919 and the generosity of Paul Goodloe McIntire that a truly public library was formed. McIntire donated not only the land and the construction costs, but the furniture and the first 5,000 books for the new library as well. The cornerstone was laid in November, 1919, and the new “Charlottesville Public Library” opened its doors to the public on May 30, 1921.

The Regional Library Evolves

Original site of the library, now the Historical Society
Original site of the library, now the Historical Society

With the development of bookmobile service to Albemarle County in 1947, the name of the library was changed to the “Charlottesville-Albemarle Public Library”. In 1958, six years after the death of Mr. McIntire, the main library building and the system itself became known as the “McIntire Library.”

Additional branches in Scottsville, Crozet, and on Gordon Avenue in Charlottesville took some of the pressure off of the small McIntire Branch in the early 1960s, and, in 1972, with the addition of branches in Louisa and Nelson counties, the library system became the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library. Greene County joined the system in 1974.

Market St. Post Office Building
Market St. Post Office Building

In October 1977, the Market Street Post Office building was purchased by Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Under Director Christopher Devan, a 17-month renovation project took place. Total cost of the project reached $2.25 million. After moving the McIntire collection of 90,000 volumes into the building on Market Street, the new Central Library opened on February 2, 1981 to patrons eager for a larger facility. Along with administration and technical services, the third floor of the new building offered the community three meeting rooms, one of them dedicated to Mr. McIntire.

In May 1987, the Albemarle County Historical Society's Library and the Central Virginia Genealogical Association consolidated their resources with those of the Central Library and moved the newly formed Charlottesville-Albemarle Historical Collection to the mezzanine of the Central Library where it remained until 1994. That year, after extensive restoration and renovation, the Historical Collection moved out of the Central Library and into the former McIntire Library.

Beyond the Printed Page

In the late 80s, the Library Board and Director Bill Swinson had committed the library system to obtaining the benefits of emerging modern technology. By February 1989, under Director Donna Selle, the card catalogs at all branches were replaced with on-line computer catalogs for the public and J-MRL fully implemented its automated circulation system.

In order to continue to integrate technology into the library system, the Central Library was again renovated in 1995. The opening of a public computer lab for internet access and the development and implementation of a community information network, Monticello Avenue, were initiated. The public lab currently houses many internet stations and access is also available in the Central Reference Department where extensive electronic resources complement the print and microform collections.

Current Director John Halliday oversees the entire J-MRL system from his office on the third floor of the Central Library.