The Next Chapter

The Next Chapter - The Campaign for the University of Virginia Library

The history of the University of Virginia can be divided into three chapters, each marked by the construction of a library.

The first chapter was marked by the iconic Rotunda, the “temple of knowledge” conceived as the centerpiece of UVA’s transformative educational community.

The second chapter began in 1938 with the opening of Alderman Library (now named "Shannon Library",) a new building that replaced the Rotunda as UVA’s main library. The new library announced a significant push to build collections and a purposeful new commitment to the scholarly enterprise.

The Library’s next chapter began with the renovation of this library as the hub of the flexible library system that UVA needs as it enters its third century.

Each of these chapters feature new approaches to Library spaces, collections, and services. As the University’s “Honor the Future” campaign continues, the Library is working towards three major campaign goals.

Campaign Goals

Architectural rendering shows a courtyard under enclosed glass ceiling with trees, tables and chairs, and people, sitting, standing, and walking through the space

Renovating the main library

The 80-plus-year-old building just completed an extensive overhaul to bring it up to current standards of safety, accessibility, and service.

Library Renovation

Photo of two men standing between metal shelves filled with boxes of books. The shelves extend dozens of feet over their heads

Improving Collections

The Library’s collections are essential to scholarship — and it's vital to the University's success to build and enhance our holdings, while also strengthening preservation and special collections.

Improving Collections

View of female student wearing backpack walking toward door marked Library

Increasing Access and Affordability

Ensuring that our collections, spaces, and services are accessible to all is imperative, and affordability is a key component of access.

Access and Affordability

Library Annual Fund

Annual giving is vital to the University of Virginia Library. We rely on the generosity of donors each and every year to respond quickly to emerging priorities and critical needs as they arise. Unrestricted gifts — funds that are not earmarked for a certain purpose and can be used as needed — provide sustained support for our programs and services, which in turn foster excellence throughout all of UVA’s academic programs.

Annual gifts support every aspect of the Library’s mission: to strengthen undergraduate learning and research, support faculty scholarship, and further innovation and collaboration. They enhance our collections and physical spaces and promote both collaborative learning and quiet reflection.

Thank you for your dedication and support as we adapt to the needs of these changing times.

Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library is the UVA Library’s donor recognition society, launched in 2021. Donors can qualify for membership in a number of different ways and enjoy benefits designed to enhance their connection with the Library.

Learn more and view the FY 2023 Friends of the Library honor roll.

Ways to Give

Online

Our secure online form allows you to make a credit card donation directly to the University Library. You’ll receive an e-mail confirmation of your gift, and a receipt by mail for tax purposes.

Matching Gift?

It’s possible your employer will match your gift. Type your company’s name into our matching gift search, or check with your company’s financial department to see if you can double your charitable contribution to the Library.

Mail

Simply send a check payable to UVA Library to:
University of Virginia Library
P.O. Box 37963
Boone, IA 50037-4963

Stock Bonds or Bond Transfers

If you would like to make a gift of stocks or bond, please contact Sean Clarkson at (434) 466-7408 or sdc3dw@virginia.edu.

Questions?

If you have questions about making a gift to the University Library, please contact Sean Clarkson: (434) 466-7408 or sdc3dw@virginia.edu