Students who return to campus for in-person and hybrid classes, resuming March 4, will find some changes in library buildings since they were previously on site. 

Library buildings on both campuses are open. Note that the library on the MCV Campus is now named the Health Sciences Library. Operating hours, determined by use patterns in the fall, have been slightly trimmed compared to last semester. For more information visit the hours web page. 

Please be aware of these important changes and reminders when using library buildings:

1. Library users must show a valid Entry Pass to access library spaces. Entry Pass is a mobile app that confirms a person has completed the required daily health check and participated in asymptompatic surveillance testing as required.  
2. Following university guidelines, expect stricter enforcement of VCU’s expectation to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth at all times in library buildings. Users who do not comply will be asked to present their VCU ID and will receive a written warning and reminder of the university’s rules about face coverings. VCU Libraries will maintain a record of users’ names who receive this warning. Users who refuse to provide the requested VCU ID will be required to leave the building immediately. Continued noncompliance may result in the suspension of access to library buildings and disciplinary action in accordance with university policy.
3. Food and drink are not allowed in library spaces except in Starbucks at Cabell Library. The atrium, the glassed-in area that faces east to the Cabell Library lawn, is closed to minimize mingling and group gatherings that fail to keep safe distance while eating and drinking. Aside from Starbucks, food and drink cannot be consumed anywhere in Cabell Library or the Health Sciences Library. Users cannot bring food and drink, except water bottles, into either building. Users are permitted to take sips of water, and immediately replace face coverings.
4. Occupancy limits for group study rooms have been reduced. This information is available via the online reservation system. Face coverings are required in all study rooms including single-seat rooms.

Beyond the buildings, VCU Libraries staff and faculty continue to provide remote consulting services and access to vast digital collections. Chat and text hours and email services remain available. Special Collections and Archives departments are open only by appointment, and Cabell Library’s Workshop offers a combination of virtual and in-person services. 

Front Porch Pick-up service allows patrons to order materials and books online for checkout without entering library buildings.