Skip to content

Grow Nelson Library

Why We Exist

As part of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library system, the Nelson Memorial Library strives to enhance the quality of life by providing equal access to information to everyone. The Library serves all ages, promotes reading, serves as a lifelong educational resource, and supports democracy by fostering the free exchange of ideas.

What We Do

Nelson Memorial Library currently houses a collection of more than 21,000 items available for browsing, including books, DVD’s, music and audiobook CD’s. Patrons are also able to find and reserve items from the collections of the other seven branch libraries in the system using an online catalog. Reserved items are generally transferred to the local library within 24 hours of becoming available. Many titles can also be downloaded as “e-books” from national subscription programs at no charge to library patrons, and books from outside libraries – particularly out-of-print and specialized books – can be ordered through an interlibrary loan system for a small fee. In addition to these standard library services, which are enhanced by sharing of regional resources, each branch develops a series of programs based on the needs and interests of the local community. The Nelson Memorial Library regularly hosts book clubs, reading readiness programs, movies, and introductions to technology for children and adults. A large conference room is also available for meetings at no charge to community members. Hosted services include volunteer tax support, meetings of nonprofit community groups, and sponsored educational programs.

Who We Serve

The Nelson Memorial Library serves all citizens of Nelson County as part of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library System.

Where We Serve

Why Community Members Support Our Work
A free library has been a part of the Nelson County Community since the 1940’s. In 1972, the Nelson Memorial Library began operation as part of the regional Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, dramatically expanding resources that could be brought into the community as part of a shared library collection. However, many of the resources must be ordered from other library branches, and there has been no room the increase the number of computers available, to expand the browsing collection, or to provide quiet study spaces. The current building, opened in 1988, consists of a 3600 sq. ft. library facility (including stacks, reading areas, offices, and storage) and a single 720 sq. ft. meeting room available for library and community programs. Recognizing the limits that the small building places on provision of library services, the County Board of Supervisors moved to double the size of the library in 2018, and we anticipate that construction will begin in the spring of 2019. While the County will provide building renovations, expansion, and furnishing, the community is seeking funds for purchase of an expanded circulating collection as well as an update and increase in computers and audiovisual technology.
How Volunteers Contribute to our Work:
A free library has been a part of the Nelson County Community since the 1940’s. In 1972, the Nelson Memorial Library began operation as part of the regional Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, dramatically expanding resources that could be brought into the community as part of a shared library collection. However, many of the resources must be ordered from other library branches, and there has been no room the increase the number of computers available, to expand the browsing collection, or to provide quiet study spaces. The current building, opened in 1988, consists of a 3600 sq. ft. library facility (including stacks, reading areas, offices, and storage) and a single 720 sq. ft. meeting room available for library and community programs. Recognizing the limits that the small building places on provision of library services, the County Board of Supervisors moved to double the size of the library in 2018, and we anticipate that construction will begin in the spring of 2019. While the County will provide building renovations, expansion, and furnishing, the community is seeking funds for purchase of an expanded circulating collection as well as an update and increase in computers and audiovisual technology.
How Volunteers Contribute to our Work:
A free library has been a part of the Nelson County Community since the 1940’s. In 1972, the Nelson Memorial Library began operation as part of the regional Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, dramatically expanding resources that could be brought into the community as part of a shared library collection. However, many of the resources must be ordered from other library branches, and there has been no room the increase the number of computers available, to expand the browsing collection, or to provide quiet study spaces. The current building, opened in 1988, consists of a 3600 sq. ft. library facility (including stacks, reading areas, offices, and storage) and a single 720 sq. ft. meeting room available for library and community programs. Recognizing the limits that the small building places on provision of library services, the County Board of Supervisors moved to double the size of the library in 2018, and we anticipate that construction will begin in the spring of 2019. While the County will provide building renovations, expansion, and furnishing, the community is seeking funds for purchase of an expanded circulating collection as well as an update and increase in computers and audiovisual technology.

Contact Information:

Susan Huffman
P. O. Box 321
8521 Thomas Nelson Highway
Lovingston,
Virginia