Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington DC, DC
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library and the national library of the United States. It houses the nation’s most important historical documents and 160 million items total. Among them are maps, manuscripts, films, and prints. More than 30 million books line miles of bookshelves in three different buildings, though many are not on public display.
The Library of Congress is a working research library and one of the top cultural institutions in North America. You can view historical documents and books in any of the 22 reading rooms. To visit, reserve timed-entry passes, which are available up to 30 days in advance on a rolling basis. While self-guided visits are encouraged, official guided Library of Congress tours are not currently available.
The library is close to other attractions near the National Mall, and a common stop on guided sightseeing tours of DC. Bus and trolley tours help you see lots of monuments quickly and make trips to the capital's many sights easier to manage.
The Library of Congress is a must for history and literature buffs.
Visitors aged 18 or older with a valid ID can use the library.
Visitors may view research documents in the library but cannot check them out.
The Jefferson Building’s visitor center has a information kiosk.
Washington DC has extreme seasons and weather. Check the forecast and dress accordingly.
All library buildings are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Resources and services such as sign-language interpretations and touch tours are available; inquire in advance or upon arrival.
The Library of Congress is near the Capitol Building and the Supreme Court building on Independence Avenue. The closest metro station is Capitol South. The library is also easy to reach by bus or walking from popular DC attractions.
The Thomas Jefferson Building is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Saturday. The James Madison Memorial and John Adams buildings have varying hours of operation. While they are typically open from 8:30am to 9:30pm Monday to Saturday, the specific hours change on a daily basis. The library hosts the annual National Book Festival, usually in August or September.
The Library of Congress has an online service offering access to thousands of documents, maps, musical scores, photographs, and texts of famous speeches. Desks in the Jefferson Building have laptop connections for accessing the digital archive on your own computer.
Yes, the Library of Congress offers tours to individuals and groups five days per week. Whether you’re visiting Washington DC for the first time or are a seasoned tour-taker, the Library of Congress is an absolute must-see. Learn about the library’s history and discover what makes it unique from knowledgeable guides.
Yes. Visiting the Library of Congress is a special experience. You will feel its significance as soon as you arrive. The Library of Congress has extraordinary collections of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and maps from around the world.
A self-guided tour of the Library of Congress can take a few hours. However, make sure to give yourself extra time to wander and linger in the various exhibition spaces. The Library of Congress has lots of artifacts in historic buildings, so don't rush to see everything in one hour.
Make sure you visit the Main Reading Room, which has a stunning ceiling and walls. Additionally, explore the Thomas Jefferson Building Artwork, which displays European art from various periods. Lastly, don't forget to check out the Civil War Photograph Exhibit at this renowned library. Don’t overlook regular concerts, lectures, and a variety of daily tours.
No, you may not bring food and drinks inside the Library of Congress. However, you may bring in a sealed bottle of water. When visiting this, it's crucial to maintain silence. Many people come to study and conduct research, requiring a peaceful environment for contemplation.
No. The Library of Congress is free to enter and most events don't need tickets, so no need to reserve tickets. However, some programs such as special lectures, tours, and exhibitions or reenactments in the Jefferson Building may require tickets. Be sure to check before your visit.
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