Visiting The Barrett Library

Hours and Operations

The Department, which includes rare books, manuscripts and the University Archives, is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Saturday hours may vary during periods when classes are not in session. The department is closed on Sunday. This schedule is subject to change without notice. Please contact Special Collections in advance if you have questions about hours on specific Saturdays.

Special Collections is on the second floor of Alderman Memorial Library, two floors down from the main entrance on level four. The staff at the fourth floor circulation desk can direct you to the elevator or to the stairs.

All researchers are asked to sign a statement agreeing to abide by Department regulations.
Researchers who are currently affiliated with the University of Virginia or who have established borrowing privileges with the University Library are asked to provide staff with a name or identification number so staff can verify that he or she is in the patron database.
Researchers not currently affiliated with the University of Virginia, are asked to fill out a brief form and show a photo I.D. (such as a driver's license, a passport, a University or employer's identification card)

Researchers are not allowed to take outer coats, briefcases, handbags, notebooks, legal pads, etc., to the research tables; we provide lockers for the storage of such items. You may bring only pencils (no pens), and a few personal reference books to the tables, and these items will be inspected by the staff before you leave the Reading Room. Paper is provided by the department for researchers. Typewriters, portable computers, tape recorders, and other mechanical research tools are permissible provided that their use does not disturb other researchers.

Transportation, Parking and Accommodations

Charlottesville can be reached by U.S. Air, United Express, and Delta Comair. There is AMTRAK train service and bus service by Trailways-Greyhound. Driving to Charlottesville from the north or south, follow U.S. 29, and from east or west, I-64.

Parking close to the Library is available in the University Parking Garage which can be entered on McCormick Road or on Emmet Street (Route 29). It is also possible to arrange (in advance) with the Department of Parking and Transportation Services (1100 Milmont Street, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903 (804) 924-7231) for a temporary parking sticker for the University Hall parking lot which is about a half mile from the Library. You can also obtain a University bus pass from that office. The city operates a small parking garage off University Avenue near the Grounds (campus) that may be entered either from Chancellor Street or Elliewood Avenue.

Hotels within walking distance of the Library include the following: Best Western Cavalier Inn, Budget Inn Motel, Red Roof Inn, and the Econo Lodge Motel. You may also consult the Charlottesville-Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau for information on other accommodations.