The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library System has combined holdings of over 400,000 items and a yearly circulation of over 1,600,000 items. There are several distinct collections within the library system including:
Adult Literacy/ESL Collections
The Central Library and Northside Library each have an Adult Literacy/ESL Collection. These collections include "high/low" (high interest/low reading level) stories at various levels, bilingual dictionaries, grammar and language instruction books, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials of interest to adults increasing their reading skills, English as a Second Language learners, and to adult literacy/ESL tutors.
Albemarle - Charlottesville Historical Collection
The Albemarle - Charlottesville Historical Collection in the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society building at 200 Second St., NE, contains over 2,000 books and bound periodicals, as well as photographs, manuscripts, maps, pamphlets, newspapers, and vertical files relating to the history of our community.
Bestsellers Collection
When you just HAVE to read the latest best-seller, it’s worth a visit to the Central Library, the Crozet Library, the Gordon Avenue Library, the Greene County Library, Louisa County Library, Nelson Memorial Library or Northside Library to take advantage of the Bestsellers collection.
Here’s how it works:
- select a book from the special Bestsellers Book Shelf - this contains "High-Demand" titles
- 7-day loan period, no renewals
- Bestsellers can be returned to any branch
- a $.50 per day late fee will apply
- NO HOLDS are allowed on Bestsellers books.
Community Journals
Community Journals are a way to create community through journaling, as library users read what others have to say about a topic, and then add their own perspective. These journals are dedicated to housing the thoughts, feelings, ideas, and creativity of the entire JMRL community. Join the conversation! See the list of journals
Jazz CD Collection
The Gordon Avenue Library has almost 300 compact discs devoted to jazz music, tracing the history of this art form from its inception to the present day. The collection was initially seeded by a gift from the Carter Beauford Family and enhanced by a grant from the Bama Works Fund of the Dave Matthews Band.
Library of Things
The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items that complement the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s mission to foster personal growth and life-long learning for all by connecting people with ideas, information, and each other. Collection of equipment and experiences.
Local Voices Collection
The Local Voices Collection at Central Library supports and showcases the creativity of the JMRL community and contains donated material from local writers, musicians, and filmmakers.
Microfilm & Microfiche
Microfilm of the Daily Progress from 1894-present, the New York Times 1940-2007, the Wall Street Journal (1973-2002) and the Washington Post (1973-2003) are held at the Central Library. In addition, back issues of many magazines are accessible on microfiche, including Time (1950-1997), Newsweek (1950-1997) and US News & World Report (1962-1997).
Play Collection
The Central Library has a collection of over 400 scripts from Dramatists Play Service and Samuel French, Inc., as well as plays in collections. Everything from Abie’s Irish Rose to The Zulu and the Zayda.
Roland E. Beauford Sr. African-American Collection
The Gordon Avenue Library houses the Roland E. Beauford Sr. African-American Collection. The collection includes a selection of the best books and other materials, fiction and non-fiction, by or about African-Americans.