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 You can view historical documents and books in any of the 22 reading rooms.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.
