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About Us
Chesterfield County Public Library's Mission and Vision
To enhance the lives of our citizens by providing tools for a lifetime of learning.
To deliver world-class library service that informs and inspires our patrons and fosters a vibrant and thriving community.
Library Locations
Midlothian Library is closed for construction.
- Bon Air Library - 9103 Rattlesnake Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
- Central Library - 7051 Lucy Corr Boulevard, Chesterfield, VA 23832
- Chester Library - 11800 Centre Street, Chester, VA 23831
- Clover Hill Library - 6701 Deer Run Drive, Midlothian, VA 23112
- Enon Library - 1801 Enon Church Road, Chester, VA 23836
- Ettrick-Matoaca Library - 4501 River Road, South Chesterfield, VA 23803
- LaPrade Library - 9000 Hull Street Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23236
- Meadowdale Library - 4301 Meadowdale Boulevard, North Chesterfield, VA 23234
- Midlothian Library - 521 Coalfield Road, Midlothian, VA 23114 *CLOSED
- North Courthouse Road Library - 325 Courthouse Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23236
Contact Us
Call Us: 804-751-2275
Please call us to ask about library programs, your library account (expired card, forgot PIN, material renewals, other account questions), or general help.
Phone Line Hours
- Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday: closed
Get a Library Card
CCPL Library Cards are free to residents of Chesterfield County and the surrounding counties/cities of:
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Library Statistics
Brief stats:
- 300 public computer workstations used 325,000 times annually
- Americans typically go to the library three times more often than they go to the movies
- Nationally, librarians answer 6.6 million questions weekly
- Last year, CCPL customers borrowed more than 4 million times from our physical collection and 1.4 million times from the eBook collection.
Every day the library helps people transform information into usable knowledge. From small business and job search assistance to student support and preschool learning opportunities, we provide learning experiences through community engagement and a hands-on maker approach. Through our whiteboards, online surveys and day-to-day interactions with our 225,000 customers, we are continually requesting feedback on numerous programs and services.
More Than Books
We’ve found that today’s libraries are no longer just about books. Results from a recent survey show that 70% of customers use the library and its dozens of services and resources, specifically its diverse material collections, for personal learning. This includes getting help from librarians, attending educational or informational programs, using study spaces, or accessing specialty services such as local history or small business development centers.
Today’s library is about learning; we support learning through materials and access, but our future lies in creating and developing learning experiences.
Need for Resources
Often, people don’t realize that e-books are not free, and that much of the information needed for true learning is not freely available on the Internet. When you add Internet retrievals and subscription database prints and downloads, the total number of times that customers borrowed from our collections was 5.9 million last year.
CCPL in an Emergency
The library serves as a community gathering place during times of crisis. CCPL is a partner in the county’s emergency preparedness planning process and after-event response. The library has served as a place for recharging electronics, up-to-the-minute information collection and dissemination, Red Cross assistance point of contact, and food distribution. During power outages, temperature extremes, and other situations, CCPL welcomes you to visit the library. Please join us to:
- Charge your phone
- Cool off in high temperatures
- Entertain your kids for a few hours
- Check your email and get online
During a weather event, please call your local library before visiting to confirm that they are open and have power.
Guiding Principles & Commitments
Woven through the tapestry of our service is a commitment to provide the best experience possible. This commitment is integral to the curation of our collection, program planning, outreach efforts, and every customer interaction. We constantly strive to improve and do our absolute best when serving our community.
At our core, CCPL serves our community by providing trusted, reliable tools and resources to our customers. Our focus is to serve the learning needs of our customers and ensure that their experience using library services is inviting, consistent, and valuable.
We value creativity and forward thinking. Staff are trusted to try new things and even if an idea doesn’t work, we appreciate the value in the attempt and encourage thoughtful experimentation.
CCPL serves our customers during the good times and the bad. We always remain committed to our mission regardless of circumstance. A tenet of our resiliency is remaining flexible, adapting to change, being responsive to new developments in our community, and always looking to best serve our patrons by meeting them where they are.
We have the courage to collaborate and are committed to direct, open-minded communication. Although we are comprised of ten separate branches and various support departments, CCPL is one organization that works towards one vision. We believe that if one branch or department experiences success, that success is shared across the system.
Join Our Staff
Want to be a part of our team? Visit our Careers page to find out more.
History
Public libraries first appeared in Chesterfield County during the early part of the 19th century. The early libraries began as a citizens’ movement. Some of the significant dates of CCPL’s development are:
- 1903 - Hazen Library opens in Bon Air.
- 1935 - Public Library of Chester opens.
- 1964 - Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors votes to establish a library system.
- 1967 - Chester and the Hazen Library open as libraries of the Chesterfield County Library System.
- 1968 - State funding is received to begin a bookmobile. Two bookmobiles make 21 stops weekly, combined.
- 1972 - Bond referendum passes to fund a new library at the Courthouse Complex (Central library), plans to develop libraries for Bon Air, Ettrick-Matoaca, Midlothian and Clover Hill are included.
- 1976 - LaPrade, Ettrick-Matoaca and Bon Air (replacing the Hazen Library) libraries open.
- 1977 - Central Library opens as a 22,800 square foot facility, other libraries have been approximately 7,500 square feet.
- 1980 - Midlothian Library opens.
- 1981 - Bookmobiles retire, Library system now consists of five libraries.
- 1984 - Coin operated public computers become available at the Central Library.
- 1988 - Bond issue is approved to fund the expansion of Central, Midlothian and Bon Air. Funding is also approved to build two new libraries: Enon and Matoaca West.
- 1989 - Greater than 50% of the County’s population has a library card
- 1992 - Enon Library opens
- 1993 - Meadowdale Library opens
- 1994 - Clover Hill Library opens
- 2001 - New Chester Library opens
- 2001 - LaPrade Library renovated
- 2008 - New Meadowdale Library opens
- 2013 - Ettrick-Matoaca Library renovated
- 2013 - Ground is broken for new library located on Courthouse Road near Reams Road
- 2014 - Bon Air Library renovated
- 2016 - North Courthouse Road Library opens
- 2018 - Central Library renovated
Silvers, Dorothy Fuller. Chesterfield: An Old Virginia County. Volume II, 1955-1989. Chesterfield, VA: Chesterfield Museum Committee of the Chesterfield Historical Society, 1992.
Weaver, Bettie Woodson. Chesterfield County Virginia. A History, 1970. Chesterfield, VA: Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, 1970.
Awards
NACo - National Association of Counties
The National Association of Counties (NACo) has awarded Chesterfield County Public Library with five 2023 Achievement Awards for innovative programs. The awards represent the library’s priority in working with residents to develop innovative, transformative programs. The programs are
- Chesterfield Remembers
- Great Outcome in Adult Literacy
- High Quality Customer Service Program
- Holiday Toy Bonanza Toy Drive and Distribution
- Library Participation Project for Detained Youth
Urban Libraries Council
The Urban Libraries Council announced Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) as one of eight Honorable Mentions during the 2023 Innovations Celebration held virtually on April 27. ULC’s annual Innovations awards recognize transformative programs from ULC’s member library systems across the U.S. and Canada that enhance the library field to further advocacy, anti-racism and digital equity, democracy, education, health and wellness, and workforce development.
CCPL’s “Visual Storytelling Through GIS- Who Do We Serve?” was selected by expert judges from nearly 150 submissions in eight categories that showcase creative thinking and out-of-the-box application of library resources. CCPL was honored in the category of Data and Performance Management with honorees being recognized for their level of inventiveness, the outcomes achieved and the ability for other libraries to adapt and implement their work.
NACo - National Association of Counties
The National Association of Counties (NACo) has awarded Chesterfield County Public Library with two 2022 Achievement Awards for innovative programs. The awards represent the library’s priority in working with residents to develop innovative, transformative programs. The programs are:
Urban Libraries Council Honors CCPL for Library Innovation
The Urban Libraries Council announced Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) as one of 10 Top Innovators during the 2021 Innovations Celebration held virtually on January 21. The annual Innovations awards recognizes transformative programs that bridge digital divides, provide lifelong education opportunities, meet the needs of under-resourced populations, address structural racism, and improve essential library service delivery from ULC’s member library systems across the U.S. and Canada.
KPIs for Staff Freedom and Performance was selected by a panel of expert judges from over 250 submissions in 10 categories that showcase creative thinking and imaginative applications of library resources. CCPL won in the category of Institutional Change and Strategic Management, with award winners being recognized for their level of inventiveness, the outcomes achieved and the ability for other libraries to adapt and implement their work.
WifiForward Wi-Fi at Work Awards
Community Connectivity Superhero Award
Community Connectivity Superheroes are organizations that have used Wi-Fi in innovative ways to connect their communities.
WifiForward presented 14 Wi-Fi At Work Awards to organizations and individuals for connecting their communities with Wi-Fi and being pioneers in closing the digital divide at the local, state, and national levels.
2021 Virginia Library of the Year - Virginia Library Association
The Awards & Recognition Committee of the Virginia Library Association (VLA) is pleased to announce that Chesterfield County Public Library has been chosen for the 2021 Virginia Library of the Year Award. This award recognizes a Virginia library (public, academic, or special), library system, or library network for distinguished achievement in service. Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) was chosen because of their exceptional efforts to refocus services and connect with community partners during a global crisis.
NACo - National Association of Counties
The National Association of Counties (NACo) has awarded Chesterfield County Public Library with three 2021 Achievement Awards for innovative programs. The awards represent the library’s priority in working with residents to develop innovative, transformative programs. The programs are
Urban Libraries Council Innovation Award
Organizational Change and Strategic Management - Honorable Mention
The Chesterfield County Public Library Learning Pod program is a rapid, iterative response to the post-COVID 100% virtual school learning environment. All 10 branches opened to safely accommodate grassroots learning pods needing library technology, safe spaces and staff expertise, offering teachers and families a new model for student learning. See the details from Urban Libraries Council
Urban Libraries Council Innovation Award
Customer Experience Award - Honorable Mention
Through partnerships with eight local museums, the Museum Pass Project provides 21 curated messenger bags for checkout. Each bag contains one family pass to a museum and a varying combination of books, DVDs, unique toys, educational brochures and maps related to each museum.
See the details from Urban Libraries Council
NACo - National Association of Counties
The National Association of Counties (NACo) has awarded Chesterfield County Public Library with four 2018 Achievement Awards for innovative programs. The awards represent the library’s priority in working with residents to develop innovative, transformative programs.
The programs are:
Breaking Barriers Behind Bars
A program designed to establish relationships with teens in the Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Home, through book discussions and learning plans.
My First School Bus
A program involving a partnership with Chesterfield County Police and Chesterfield County Public Schools that introduces rising kindergartners to school bus safety.
Teen Financial Literacy
A grant-funded program that provided workshops and exhibits to teach teens and tweens about financial management.
CCPL Toy Collection
An assortment of age- and educationally-appropriate toys for check-out.
NACo - National Association of Counties and VACo - Virginia Association of Counties
Play Smart with Toddlers
Chesterfield County Public Library has been recognized by both the Virginia Association of Counties and the National Association of Counties for it Play Smart with Toddlers program.
Chesterfield County Public Library constructed a new and exciting program that supports early literacy and child development. The Play Smart with Toddlers program provides a comfortable atmosphere for parents to enjoy a session of play with their child while learning from experts about how play supports their child’s development and encourages early literacy skills. Children improve their socialization skills in a safe environment, while parents connect with community professionals with various areas of expertise related to children aged 0 to 3. Library staff identify and coordinate the experts through partnerships with county departments and other local and regional organizations.
NACo - National Association of Counties
Library as Lifeboat: A Library and Emergency Management Partnership
The library has become a key player in the county’s response to emergencies. Libraries provide daytime shelter, computer access, the chance to charge phones and laptops, an access point for information, and a place to distribute emergency meals.
Exploring Human Origins: A Community Conversation
With a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution, CCPL engaged the public in an open discussion about the origin and evolution of humankind. Lectures from local universities, speakers from the Smithsonian, and community discussions made up this highly participatory suite of programs.
Ladders to Success - Connecting the Community with Jobs
Meadowdale Library’s Ladders to Success is “not your ordinary job fair.” This event connects residents with jobs in the Meadowdale community, while CCPL guides job-seekers through the entire job search process. Workshops and one-on-one appointments help job-seekers gain the skills they need for the job they want.
NACo - National Association of Counties
CCPL Job Skills Technology Program
The Job Skills Technology Program increases computer literacy for job seekers in Chesterfield County. The Central Branch of the Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) in partnership with the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services (Social Services) created a curriculum to address gaps in knowledge in current technologies that can hinder today’s job seeker.
NACo - National Association of Counties
Finalist for National Medal for Museum & Library Services
The Finalist for National Medal for Museum and Library Services is a prestigious award and is presented by the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
Enhancing Customer Knowledge of E-Readers & Digital Collections - Library, Community Services
E-readers are steadily increasing in popularity since currently almost a third of adults in the U.S. own an e-reader or tablet computer. As more and more people use e-books, they also are realizing that accessing e-books and e-readers might be more expensive than they thought.
Building Common Ground - Civic Engagement at CCPL
Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) created a series of programs designed to address the issue of Chesterfield County’s aging population. Programs were designed to promote open dialog between citizens and key figures in local government, and interdepartmental cooperation on issues important to senior citizens.
Families Understanding Numbers at CCPL
In the current economic climate, money management is a survival skill - and it’s one that many Americans lack. "Financial Literacy" refers to the ability to understand money and investment issues a fluency which, like computer literacy, is drawing increased attention as an important life skill.
Open House for Student Success
Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) and Chesterfield County Public Schools worked together to schedule an "Open House for Student Success" back-to-school night for school children.
Target Grant ($2,000)
Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) was awarded a Target Early Childhood Literacy Grant for the third time in August of 2013. Because of this grant, CCPL was able to build on the already successful program, Act One: Where Reading Begins, a children's story time theater program that provided families with active participation in storytelling by dramatizing a themed picture book. This unique program focused on early education literacy through the use of picture books and the art of theatrical acting.
Lego Education Grant ($5,000)
Chesterfield County Public Library was awarded the LEGO Group’s Lego Children’s Fund grant in December 2013.
FINRA / ALA Smart Investing Grant ($78,280)
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association (ALA) have again awarded Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL), in partnership with the Friends of Chesterfield County Public Library, a $78,280 financial literacy grant to fund F.U.N at CCPL (Families Understanding Numbers) in December 2013.
Express Planning & Assessment Award ($5,921)
CCPL was notified in April 2014 that it had been awarded the Express Planning and Assessment Award from National Network of Libraries of Medicine.
NACo - National Association of Counties and VACo - Virginia Association of Counties
Enhancing Customer Knowledge of eReaders & Digital Collections
eReaders are steadily rising in popularity with American consumers currently almost a third of adults in the United States own either an eReader or a tablet computer. Chesterfield County Public Library’s (CCPL) eBook and audio book lending service, the Downloadable Digital Library, make free eBooks available to library customers, and highlights the need for knowledgeable librarians.
iHunt: Crack the CCPL Code
In an effort to bring in more traffic, many libraries have started programs that appeal to teens and young adults. "iHunt: Crack the CCPL Code" was an innovative program piloted by Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL), designed to reach out to the youth population.
ALA / LLAMA / PRMS PR Xchange Competition
Honorable mention:
- Annual Report
- April Program Guide
- Read 2 Feed
- Welcome Brochure
NACo - National Association of Counties
Libraries - El Día de los Niños / El Día de los Libros (Children's Day / Book Day)
This event is a cultural festival sharing Hispanic arts and culture while promoting children's literacy. The goals were to create an awareness of the library and its resources among the Hispanic community, and to educate residents regarding the importance of childhood literacy regardless of language or culture. (Anna Wilson-Stillwell, librarian)
Libraries - Summer Reading Carnival
This event kicked off the 2010 Summer Reading Program, which was designed to keep children engaged in reading and literacy throughout the summer. (insert more link here) The carnival is a way to bring customers into the branches and offer participants a fun and positive interaction with the library and its staff. This includes activities such as face painting, balloon twisting, music, a bounce castle and carnival food. (Anna Wilson-Stillwell, librarian)
Economic Development and Libraries - My Business Starts Here
Chesterfield Economic Development and the Chesterfield County Public Library have partnered to offer residents seamless service and resources for their small-business needs. This initiative creates a multi-pronged approach that enables residents to easily access the information they need to begin or expand small businesses. A new Web portal directs entrepreneurs to solutions for their business questions. (Karen Aylward, development manager and Anna Wilson-Stillwell, librarian)
VACo - My Business Starts Here
Chesterfield Economic Development and the Chesterfield County Public Library have partnered to offer residents seamless service and resources for their small-business needs. This initiative creates a multi-pronged approach that enables residents to easily access the information they need to begin or expand small businesses. A new Web portal directs entrepreneurs to solutions for their business questions. (Karen Aylward, development manager and Anna Wilson-Stillwell, librarian)
NACo - National Association of Counties
Library - Cultivating a Master's Staff Scholarship Support for Graduate Library Studies
To improve services, support continuous learning and to competitively align itself with other library systems of similar size, the Chesterfield County Public Library developed a system-wide scholarship program that provides financial support to staff pursuing advanced degrees. At this point, four have graduated and more are interested in pursuing graduate studies. The program was funded through a Public Library Association Grow Your Own at Your Library grant.
Libraries - Consumer Health Information Project
In an effort to increase public health literacy, Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) launched a successful consumer health information service. Our efforts to offer a Consumer Health Information Project (CHIP) were aided by an Express Outreach Project Award we received from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM).