Cabell Library Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- When is the library open?
- When is Starbucks open?
- Is it O.K. to use my cell phone in the library?
- Is there a pay phone in the library that I can use?
- Is there a fax machine I can use?
- Can I get a quick overview of where things are located in the library?
- Am I allowed to eat in the library?
- What if I am leaving late at night -- can someone walk me home or to my car?
- What can I do if I am feeling threatened or disturbed by another person?
- What do I do in the event of an emergency?
Today’s hours are on the VCU Libraries home page on the left side of the screen. For the full semester schedule, see our building hours Web page. Note that Cabell Library is open different hours on different days of the week. Operating hours also change with the academic schedule, particularly during final exams and intersession periods.
Starbucks is open 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 midnight from Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays, closed Saturday, and open 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sundays. Note that hours may be different on holidays, intersession, or the summer semester. Please call 828-5552 if you wish to verify hours.
Is it O.K. to use my cell phone in the library?
We welcome cell phone use in the outer lobby or in any of the stairwells. Cell phone use is prohibited elsewhere in the library. We ask that you be considerate of your fellow students by setting your cell phone to silent or vibrate upon entering the building.
Is there a pay phone in the library that I can use?
A pay phone is located on the second floor, across from the library administration office.
Is there a fax machine I can use?
There is no fax machine available in Cabell Library. Note that Mail Services has a fax machine available for public use, starting at $1.00 per page for local faxes. Exact change, in cash, is required. They are located at 920 West Franklin in Valentine House and are open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The phone number is 828-1577.
Can I get a quick overview of where things are located in the library?
Floor maps of Cabell Library are available via our Web site.
Am I allowed to eat in the library?
Beverages in re-closable, spill-proof containers are permitted in library buildings, except in Special Collections and Archives, the Library Instruction Classroom, the basement computer lab, and other areas as posted. Food is limited to snack or wrapped items which are consumed individually and that are not damaging to collections. Noisy and strong-smelling snack foods that disturb others are prohibited. Group foods, fast food, or open plates of food – pizzas, burgers, fries, salads, complete meals, etc. – are prohibited. Outside delivery of food is prohibited. Library users are responsible for disposal of their trash. For more information, please see our food and drink policy.
What if I am leaving late at night -- can someone walk me home or to my car?
Faculty, students, and the staff of VCU are encouraged to call the Security Escort Service operated by the VCU Police Department. You may dial 828-WALK or activate one of the Emergency Reporting Telephones located around campus. The hours of operation for the Monroe Park Campus are Sunday to Saturday 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Cross campus hours are Monday to Friday 2:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. and Saturday to Sunday 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
What can I do if I am feeling threatened or disturbed by another person?
Go to nearest library service desk and request that the library's security guard be dispatched to your location. If you believe that you are in an emergency situation and are unable to come to a service desk, call 828-1234 to contact the emergency operator at the VCU Police Department. Please note that red emergency telephones are located near the elevators on each floor of Cabell, as well as in the Group Study Zone on the second floor.
What do I do in the event of an emergency?
- If the fire alarm goes off, walk to the nearest available exit and leave the building. Emergency exits are at the bottom of all stairwells in Cabell Library, except the stairs next to the front door.
- If the power goes out, you can either leave or wait for instructions from library staff. If the building is going to be evacuated, library staff with flashlights will help you exit the building safely.
- If a major, life-threatening emergency is imminent, the sirens on top of Cabell Library will go off, text messages will be sent to your cell phones, and messages will pop up on all library computers. DO NOT LEAVE THE BUILDING IN THE EVENT OF SUCH AN EMERGENCY.