The Jefferson Library welcomes all researchers interested in learning about Thomas Jefferson and his world. If you are considering a visit, be sure to explore our Collections page to get an idea of what we have here and whether a visit may be fruitful for you. If you do decide to visit, please read on for important information on how to plan your visit and what to expect when you arrive.
The Jefferson Library is located at the Kenwood campus, roughly one-third of a mile east of the Monticello entrance on Rt 53. Our street address is 1329 Kenwood Farm, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Please park in either of the lots to the right or left at the top of the driveway. There is accessible parking in the circle in front of the Library and Kenwood House.
If you are planning to visit the Jefferson Library to do research on a Jefferson-related topic, we ask that you make an appointment with us ahead of time. This will help us to make your visit more productive, and ensure that your visit does not conflict with any events occurring in the library. To make an appointment, you may use our online form, email us directly, or call the Reference Desk at (434) 984-7543.
You may wish to get a head start on your research by exploring our online catalog, which you can access at http://tjportal.on.worldcat.org.
You can also browse the list of research databases you can access while at the Library.
Please familiarize yourself with our Reading Room Policies and Monticello's Code of Conduct before arriving.
The main entrance to the Library is on the second floor and is accessible. There is an elevator for access to all three floors of the Library.
Gendered restrooms are available on all three floors. The restrooms on the first floor, where the reading room is located, may be inaccessible for those using larger mobility devices. The third-floor restrooms are single-stall and accessible.
Service animals are welcome at Monticello, which follows the U.S. Department of Justice's ADA requirements for service animals. Visitors are not allowed to bring emotional support animals into Monticello buildings, per Foundation policy.
For information on accessible technology, please refer to our statement on equipment.
Once you arrive, please come to the reference desk on the first floor to register. Registration involves filling out a short form with your name, contact information, and research topic, with a listing of our policies requiring your signature. Registration requires a photo ID, so be sure to have one with you.
Jackets and bags larger than a large handbag are prohibited in our Reading Room and Multimedia Center; we have a coat closet and lockers available for storing personal belongings while you are using our collections.
The Jefferson Library is open every Monday through Friday, from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
We are closed on the following holidays:
Phone: (434) 984-7540
Email: library@monticello.org
Please note that we do not accept reference questions over the telephone. If you have a research-related question, please submit your query to us in writing by using our reference form, emailing us at library@monticello.org, or sending your query by mail to the Jefferson Library, P.O. Box 316, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
All email addresses end with @monticello.org
The Jefferson Library welcomes volunteers and interns from the local community. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit the Volunteers and Interns page.
The following are web forms which can be used to submit requests and recommendations. General comments and suggests may be sent to library@monticello.org
ADDRESS:
931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
Charlottesville, VA 22902
GENERAL INFORMATION:
(434) 984-9800