Virginia Room Digital Collection

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The Virginia Room Digital Collection includes photographs, oral histories, books, pamphlets and finding aids to items in the Virginia Room. Continue to check back for new additions.

Browse Items (48 total)

The Main Branch of Roanoke Public Libraries, located at 706 S, Jefferson Street.

Bittle Memorial Library was named for Roanoke College’s early president, Dr. David Bittle. Bittle led the college through its move to Salem and during the Civil War. Bittle was one of three Salem leaders who officially surrendered Salem to the…

Raleigh Court Branch Library, located at 2112 Grandin Road.

Construction of the Main Branch of Roanoke Public Libraries.

Construction of the Main Branch of Roanoke Public Libraries.

Construction of the Main Branch of Roanoke Public Libraries.

"Opened in 1952, the Roanoke Public Library building has a capacity for 185,000 volumes. It is air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter by means of an electric heat pump. Situated on the corner of Elmwood Park, it is within the…

"Roanoke Public Library, Roanoke, Virginia. Opened in 1952, the Roanoke Public Library building has a capacity of 185,000 volumes. It is air conditioned in summer, and heated in winter by means of an electric heat pump. Situated on the corner of…

"Roanoke Public Library, Roanoke, Virginia."

One story and part basement brick building, wood joisted roof covered with slate. Interior; joisted floor, oak wearing surfaces, close plastered sidewalls, ceilings metal lath and plaster. Basement partly finished with concrete floor. Electric…

"One story brick building, wood joisted roof covered with slate. Interior; floor of concrete with mastic tile wearing surfaces, close plastered sidewalls, metal lath and plastered beam ceiling. Electric lighting, stoker-fired low pressure steam…

"A two story and basement brick building with stucco finish, metal roof, wood floors, except basement, which is brick, plastered interior finish, electric lights, low pressure steam heat. Approximately 125 years old. Occupancy: Basement - Heating…

Virginia Y. Lee was the Gainsboro Library's fourth librarian (1928 – 1971). She was born on November 22, 1906 in McComas, West Virginia and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. She graduated Valedictorian from Lucy Addison High School in 1924 and earned her…

Virginia Y. Lee was the Gainsboro Library's fourth librarian (1928 – 1971). She was born on November 22, 1906 in McComas, West Virginia and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. She graduated Valedictorian from Lucy Addison High School in 1924 and earned her…

A female member of the US Air Force at a children's program at the Gainsboro Branch Library.

Fishburn Library at Hollins University

The Terry House, formerly located in Elmwood Park, was the first library in the city.

Fintel Library at Roanoke College.

Fintel Library at Roanoke College.

Interior view of the reading room in the Fishburn Library at Hollins College.

The Fishburn Library at Hollins College.

Interior view of the Virginia Heights Book Station. The Virginia Heights Book Station was a precursor to the Raleigh Court Branch Library. It was located in the Masonic Lodge building at Grandin Road and Memorial Avenue.

The Raleigh Court Library was located at 1916 Memorial Avenue. The building is now used by Pop's Ice Cream.

The Melrose Branch Library was constructed in 1947 at a cost of $19,947.00

The newly constructed Melrose Branch Library at 2318 Melrose Avenue. The sign reads, "New Library constructed for your convenience and assistance by the City of Roanoke".

Roanoke Librarian Pearl Hinesley stands in front of the newly constructed Melrose Branch.

Interior view of Melrose Branch Library after it was relocated from 15th Street and Melrose to the basement of Melrose School at 1100 Melrose Avenue.

The Melrose Book Station, located at Melrose Avenue and 15th Street. In 1929, the "Book Station" was moved to the basement of Melrose School at 1100 Melrose Avenue. In 1933 it was moved to a vacant store at 1801 Melrose Avenue. In 1948, the branch…

Early view of the Gainsboro Branch Library. The building was completed in 1941 at a cost of $23,970.24.

Basement storage shelving at the Gainsboro Branch.

Basement storage shelving at the Gainsboro Branch.

Interior of the Gainsboro Branch Roanoke Public Library.

Roanoke Public Library's Gainsboro Branch found its beginnings in the Odd Fellows Hall, formerly located at the corner of Patton Avenue and Gainsboro Road. It would relocate to the current building in 1942.

The reference room in the old library about 1947.

Interior view of Main Library reading and reference rooms when it was located in the Terry House.

Roanoke Public Library. Circulation desk and main room.

Interior view of the first library. The desk in this photo is currently used in the Virginia Room.

Ladies in the reference room.

Children gather for storytime at the Main Library.

Roanoke Public Library auditorium of the first public library in Terry home during children's book week story hour.

The Main branch of Roanoke Public Libraries.

Roanoke Public Library as seen from across Jefferson Street.

Terry home in Elmwood Park shortly after its conversion to the first library.

A view of the Terry House from the driveway on Jefferson Street. The Terry House would become Roanoke's first public library in 1921.

Jefferson Street entrance to the first Roanoke Public Library.

View of the first Roanoke Public Library from across Elmwood Park. The building, known as the Terry House, was purchased with Elmwood Park by the city in 1911 for $150,000.

Opening day celebration of Roanoke Public Libraries. Sarah Caldwell Butler speaking at event in Elmwood Park.

A band plays at the Roanoke Public Library's opening day celebration in Elmwood Park.
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