The largest library in the world makes for a fascinating historical and literary experience in the nation’s capital.
What is the Library of Congress? Where is it?
The Library of Congress is housed across three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC: the Thomas Jefferson Building (10 1st Street SE), the James Madison Memorial Building (101 Independence Avenue SE) and the John Adams Building (2nd Street SE, between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street). The library houses more than 164 million items, from books to photos to recordings to maps to…much, much more. It also serves as a museum, with numerous exhibits inside the incredible Thomas Jefferson Building.
All the Library of Congress’ buildings can be entered free of charge. The Thomas Jefferson Building is open from Monday – Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The building is closed every Sunday and on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The James Madison Memorial Building and the John Adams Building are primarily used for research – learn more about the Library of Congress’ buildings, including tours and current exhibitions, and check out the hours for reading rooms across the three buildings.
The easiest way to reach the Library of Congress is via Metrorail; the closest stop is the Capitol South station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines. Simply exit the station using the main exit and walk two blocks north on First Street SE.
What can I see inside the Library of Congress?
The best visitor experience can be found inside the Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building. You will be dazzled upon walking in the door of the Jefferson Building. Gilded Age architecture makes its interior a visual masterpiece, a work of art worthy of housing the immense amount of knowledge that it holds.
The Main Reading Room (pictured above) is a favorite. Along the outside of the dome, visitors can identify 10 allegorical female figures that represent features of civilized life and thought (Religion, Commerce, History, Art, Philosophy, Poetry, Law and Science) and 16 bronze statues of men whose lives symbolized each of the latter.
Once you’re done snapping photos for Instagram, it’s time to explore the building’s many exhibits.
Which exhibits are on view at the Library of Congress?
Currently, several of the Thomas Jefferson Building’s exhibits are ongoing. Here to Stay: The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin reveals the lives of the sibling duo and their powerful influence on modern music. The Swann Gallery is a fun dive into political cartoons, comics, animation art and caricatures, while the Herblock Gallery reveals the imaginative work of political cartoonist Herbert L. Block. Thomas Jefferson’s Library is a stunning recreation of the Founding Father’s immense collection of books that founded the Library of Congress.
There are also numerous exhibits inside the Jefferson Building that rotate regularly. Make sure to check out all of the current exhibitions at the Library of Congress.
Library of Congress
Are there special events at the Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress also frequently hosts events and tours – take a look at the events calendar to plan for can't-miss activities, including the popular after-hours series Live! at the Library. The institution also curates the National Book Festival every year, and often hosts an outdoor film festival on its grounds during the summer.
Partner Content