Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library

201 S. Railroad Avenue
Ashland, VA 23005
Phone: 804-798-4072
Fax: 804-798-6276
Branch Manager, Michael Natale

Hours of Operation

Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

See directions & map

Friends of the Ashland Library (Facebook)

Branch Amenities

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Programs & Events

Reserve a Space at the Library

The Ashland Branch Library has meeting rooms and a collaboration room you can reserve.

– Good for larger groups or presentations.

– Includes monitor with VGA/HDMI/audio port and controls.

How to Reserve a Room flyer(.pdf)

If you have any questions about which room is best for your needs, please contact your local branch library or e-mailask@pamunkeylibrary.org.

Meeting Room Features

Max Capacity: 72
Room can be divided
72 chairs
10 tables
Sink
Podium
Whiteboard
Projection screen
Ceiling mounted projector w/ HDMI/VGA/Audio port & audio controls
AV cart with Blu-ray player and sound equipment
Monitor with HDMI/VGA/Audio port and audio controls

Ashland Meeting Room Photos

Local Interest

Community Links

Branch History

Born in Lawrenceville, Mr. Richard "Dick" S. Gillis came to Ashland in the late 1930s to attend Randolph-Macon College and then served as a captain in the Army during World War II (earning two battle stars and a unit citation). After the war, Mr. Gillis built a successful 30-year career with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, serving as executive vice president and publisher of Commonwealth magazine.

During his tenure as mayor from 1977 to 1990, Ashland was given the town train station by the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad, was given a new post office by the federal government, and saw water and sewer service extended to a north Ashland neighborhood. While he was mayor of the Town of Ashland, Mr. Gillis coined the phrase, "The Center of the Universe," which has become Ashland's motto. It can be seen on everything from bumper stickers to the town's web site.

Mr. Gillis represented the citizens of the Ashland District on the Hanover Board of Supervisors from 1990 to 1995, chaired the Strawberry Faire Committee for 25 years, and was an officer or board member of numerous civic and charitable organizations.

Mr. Gillis was also a member of the Pamunkey Regional Library Board of Trustees from 1971 to 1980. Given a chance and a forum, Richard Gillis rarely missed the opportunity to tout the benefits of living in Ashland, and he especially pushed for the new library to be built in Ashland's unique downtown district. When the building was erected in 1997, it bore his name. Mr. Gillis passed away on October 5, 2001. A commemorative plaque was placed in the library foyer after his death.