Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington DC, Washington DC, USA, 20540
This vast archive in Washington DC is not only the national library of the United States, but the world’s largest library. It houses the country’s most important historical documents—all 160 million of them. Maps, manuscripts, films, and rare prints comprise part of the collection, while 25 million books alone line miles of bookshelves in three different buildings, though many are not on public display.
The basics
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 You can view historical documents and books in any of the 22 reading rooms.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.
Things to know before you go
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.
How to get there
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.
When to get there
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.
National Digital Library
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.
Ways to explore
The Library of Congress is a working research library, and the public can view historical documents and books in any of the 20 reading rooms. To visit those, you simply need to fill out the library’s reader registration online and present valid ID when you arrive. The Thomas Jefferson Building also provides free timed-entry tickets (which need to be reserved online), plus a limited number of free tickets (available on-site) to see the Main Reading Room during specific hours.
The library is close to other landmarks near the National Mall, and it’s a common stop on guided tours of DC. Bus and trolley tours help you see lots of attractions quickly, and make trips to the capital easier to manage.
Accessibility
The Library of Congress is fully accessible, with accessible entrances and restrooms.
Age limits
The Library of Congress research centers are open to anyone 16 and older with valid ID
What to pack
Bring digital or printed reader registration for access to the reading rooms (separate from ticketed access to the Main Reading Room), but pack light, as all bags go through a security screening.
What to wear
Comfortable walking shoes, layers
Not allowed
Bags larger than 18” x 14” x 8.5” (45 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 21 centimeters), sealed envelopes or packages, firearms or weapons, and more—the list is a long one
Amenities
Library store, restrooms, exhibits, reading rooms and research centers
Address
The Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, the main library, is right on Capitol Hill. It’s easiest to get there by using public transit or joining a tour.
Driving
The Library has no public parking, and street parking is limited. Though there are paid parking garages and lots around the area (the closest lot is at Union Station), you’re better off taking the metro or a taxi.
Public transportation
The closest metro stop is Capitol South (Orange/Blue/Silver Lines)—from there, it’s a 2-block walk. You could also get there via taxi, rideshare, or guided tour.
Best times to visit
While the hours for the Thomas Jefferson Building are 10am–5pm, the Main Reading Room is only open to visitors Tuesday to Friday, 10:30am–11:30am and then 2pm–3pm (plus Thursday evenings, 5pm–7pm); tickets are available for 5-minute walkthroughs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Best days to visit
Thursdays are nice for extra chances to see the Main Reading Room and evening events.
Best months to visit
The site is busiest with visitors from March through July—aim to see the library before or after that, if you can.
Special events
Live! At The Library runs on Thursday evenings from 5pm to 8pm—there are concerts, performances, snacks and drinks, and it partially coincides with the Main Reading Room being open. Free timed tickets are required.
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