Visiting the Library of Congress in Washington, DC

What is the Library of Congress?

The Library serves as the research arm of Congress and is recognized as the national library of the United States. It's no wonder – it contains the world's most comprehensive collection of human creativity and knowledge, which supports scholars and researchers worldwide. Through the Congressional Research Service, staffed by Library specialists, Congress receives unbiased, in-depth information on a broad range of topics. 

Day-to-day, visitors can experience the Library's grand architecture and special exhibitions curated from the Library's collections. 

 

When was the Library of Congress created?

Following its founding in 1800, the Library initially existed in a boarding house and was later relocated to the U.S. Capitol building. Its first permanent, dedicated location, the Thomas Jefferson Building, opened in 1897, followed by the John Adams Building (1939), the James Madison Memorial Building (1980) and later the Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation in Culpepper, Va. (2007).

 

Is the Library of Congress open to the public? When can I visit? 

All Library of Congress buildings are open to the public free of charge. Visitors ages 16 and older may enter without special permission. The Thomas Jefferson Building is the primary destination for tourists, while the Madison and Adams buildings primarily serve research purposes. Learn more about the Library’s buildings, including tours and current exhibitions.

As a research library, the Library allows members of the public (16 and older) to access its materials on-site. Books must remain on the premises and require a reader card with a photo. Learn more about how to research at the Library.

The Jefferson Building is open from Monday – Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., with specific hours for reading rooms. The building is closed every Sunday, as well as on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 

 

Where is the Library? How do I get there?

The Library is located in the heart of DC, housed across three buildings on Capitol Hill: 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 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. 

 

How do I visit the Main Reading Room and Great Hall?

Both of these breathtaking experiences are housed within the Thomas Jefferson Building.
 

• The Great Hall greets visitors upon entry into the building. Stunning, Gilded Age architecture and painted ceilings decorate a 75-foot high interior worthy of the immense amount of knowledge that it holds. Over 50 American sculptors, painters and mosaic artists contributed their talents to showcase the prowess of the young Republic. 
   
• From the Visitors' Gallery located just off of the Great Hall, there's a fantastic view of the Main Reading Room (pictured above) from above. Along the dome, you'll identify 10 allegorical female figures that represent pillars of human thought (Religion, Commerce, History, Art, Philosophy, Poetry, Law and Science) and 16 bronze statues of men whose lives symbolized each of these same concepts.  

To learn more about the spaces, guided tours are offered several times a day. Otherwise, feel free to explore using a self-guided brochure. 

 

What can I see inside the Library of Congress? How many books are there? 

The Library's facilities in Capitol Hill and Virginia contain more than 164 million items, including books and printed materials, maps, manuscripts, photographs, films, audio and video recordings, prints and drawings and more. It also serves as a museum, with numerous exhibits inside the incredible Thomas Jefferson Building. Read more about these below.

 

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.

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.