question: INTRODUCTION/AIM OF THE VIDEO: Vaginal surgery often presents challenges of access. To gain adequate visualization of relevant structures, surgical assistants often assume awkward positioning with inadequate stability of handheld retractors. Additionally, the lead surgeon is typically the only member of the surgical team who can adequately visualize the procedure being performed. To that end, devices have been manufactured with aims of optimizing both visualization and workspace while reducing the need of handheld retractors during vaginal surgery. This video presents one of those retractors: a reusable, self-retaining, vaginal Magrina-Bookwalter, with details to help achieve the optimal visualization and workspace with its use. METHODS: A narrated video provides a brief history, components and proper assembly of the retractor with stepwise application of components demonstrated during a vaginal hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: The self-retaining, vaginal Magrina-Bookwalter retractor is a helpful tool to optimize the visualization and workspace while reducing the need for handheld retractors during vaginal procedures deeper into the pelvis.