Welcome

The Williamsburg Regional Library provides a full range of library services, both traditional and innovative. Our collection houses more than 330,000 items in a variety of formats. Library users have access to FindItVirginia a state-wide information database. In addition to FindItVirginia, the Library provides many databases covering a variety of information. There are downloadable audio book, e-book and music collections. The Library is continually examining new ways to connect our users with the information that is needed for home, school, and work.

The mission of the Williamsburg Regional Library serves as a guiding force in service and program provision to our user community. Our mission reads: Free access to information is a foundation of democracy.  Local governments provide that access for their residents by funding the Williamsburg Regional Library as a basic service. 

Our library and its staff are continually recognized on a local, state and national level. In recent years the Library has received awards from the Virginia Public Library Director’s Association for the Outreach Speakers Bureau Service, “Looking for a Good Book”, and the Preschool Teacher Training Initiative. “Blogging for a Good Book” received the Louis Shores/Greenwood Press Award for book reviewing. Just recently the Library received a 4 star rating from Library Journal a national library publication. It is one of only 87 public libraries nation-wide to receive this level of recognition. Library staff members have served and continue to serve in leadership roles in local, state, and national professional organizations.

The award winning Philip West Memorial Cancer Resource Center, created through a partnership with Sentara Williamsburg Community Hospital, provides access to a wide range of resources both local and global, for cancer patients, their families, and care-givers. The Funding Research Center, created through a partnership with the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation, assists area non-profit organizations in their search for funding opportunities as well as providing information about developing and administering a fund raising program. Library partnerships with organizations such as the American Association of Retired Persons, Colonial Williamsburg, and Williamsburg-James City County Schools create and sustain important resources and services that affect nearly everyone living in the community.

The Library has an on-going program to upgrade library facilities to ensure they provide comfortable, efficient, accessible, and safe environments to visitors and staff.  

Since 2001 the Williamsburg Regional Library has been guided in its program and service provision by a Strategic Plan. At the October 28, 2011 meeting of the WRL Board of Trustees a new Strategic Plan was approved. This plan covers the period 2012 – 2015. The library’s priorities during the plan period are creating a comprehensive communications plan, expanding offerings of digital content, rearranging spaces in both library buildings, providing opportunities for staff development, and expanding service to teenagers.

On behalf of the Staff and Board of Trustees of the Williamsburg Regional Library, I welcome you to your libraries. Come visit us in person and through our website and social network presence. Our excellent staff stands ready to assist you as you search for the information or reading materials you need. Our meeting rooms are available for individual and group use. Our Williamsburg Library Theatre is home to a wide variety of programs and musical events. Come, use, and enjoy!