Jefferson Library

09/04/2026

Excited to have some new neighbors!

08/28/2026

Two weeks ago today, some violent summer storms swept through Charlottesville, and the beautiful old linden tree flanking the front door to Kenwood suffered severe damage. For the safety of staff and visitors, the tree had to be taken down completely. We’ll miss its massive, crooked branches, lovely shade, and fragrant blooms, and so will the bees and butterflies who flitted through its foliage in the spring. The tree was likely almost a century old and nearing the end of its lifespan, but it’s still sad to not see it every day. Here are some before and after photos of the tree. Bonus bee/butterfly footage in the comments.🌳

08/21/2026

The application portal is now open for the 2027 Monticello Fellowship Program!

Established in 1994, Monticello’s Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies (ICJS) is a multidisciplinary research center that leads the study of Thomas Jefferson and his world while supporting the ongoing work of preservation and education at Monticello. The fellowship program supports scholars whose research explores Jefferson, Monticello, the founding history of the United States, and its legacies.

To date, the ICJS has awarded more than 600 fellowships to researchers from across the country and around the globe! 🌎📚

Learn more and apply at bit.ly/4hzqAhW

📷: Aleen Carey

08/14/2026

More fascinating work by our colleagues!

08/13/2026

08/07/2026

We're sure that after seeing Christopher Nolan's Odyssey, the first question you asked yourself was, "I wonder if Thomas Jefferson read the Odyssey???" 🤔

Well, wonder no more! Fiske and Marie Kimball Librarian Endrina Tay - an expert on Jefferson's books - has written a new article on Jefferson and Homer. Spoiler alert: Jefferson and no less than 19 (!!!) editions of Homer's works over his lifetime.

Read more here:

Learn about Thomas Jefferson's fondness for the works of the ancient Greek poet Homer, and the different editions of Homer in Jefferson's libraries.

07/31/2026

Here's a lovely little glimpse into Jefferson's list-making by one of our spring research fellows, Evan Friss. Enjoy!

07/23/2026

07/17/2026

We had an unexpected visitor to the library yesterday! Unfortunately he or she ran away before we could sign them up for a library card. 😊