The Library of Congress which is located right next to the U.S. Capitol Building is a beautiful sight. I have passed the Library of Congress tons of times without realizing you could go inside. The interior offers some stunning ceilings and its iconic reading room is well worth visiting.
Heading to Washington DC?
Read More: Best Places to Photograph in DC
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with a collection of more than 178 million items in some 470 languages, from books and maps to photographs and recordings.
In this guide I’ll be going over everything you need to know before visiting the Library of Congress.
Table of contents
Library of Congress History
The Library of Congress was founded in 1800. It is the largest library in the world and is used by the U.S. Congress to do research. It was started to give Congress a reliable source of information and knowledge to help them with their legislative work. When it first opened, the library was in the United States Capitol, and it only had 740 books and three maps.
During the War of 1812, British troops burned the Capitol in 1814, destroying the original collection. To rebuild it, former President Thomas Jefferson sold Congress his personal library of 6,487 books in 1815. Jefferson’s collection was unusually wide-ranging, covering everything from science to philosophy, and it set the tone for the broad, universal library the institution became.
The Library of Congress has grown a lot in size and scope over the years. It moved to the Thomas Jefferson Building, which is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture, in 1897. This beautiful building is a work of art in and of itself. It has intricate sculptures, murals, and mosaics all over it.
There are now more than 178 million items in the library’s collection, including books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and audio-visual materials. It is also home to the U.S. Copyright Office, which is central to protecting America’s creative and cultural works.
Library of Congress Photos
Here are pictures of the interior and exterior of the Library of Congress. If you’re a photographer I recommend brining a wide angle lens to capture the grand nature of the library.
Main Reading Room at the Library of Congress
The Main Reading Room is the most jaw-dropping space in the building, an octagonal chamber rising 160 feet to a domed ceiling, ringed by marble columns and bronze statues representing fields of knowledge.
For years you could only walk onto its floor a couple of times a year, but that changed with the Library’s new visitor experience. You can now view the Main Reading Room from a first-floor viewing area Tuesday through Friday, from 10:30 to 11:30am and again from 2:00 to 3:00pm. During those windows the Library runs short, free five-minute walkthroughs around the room’s center desk, so you can actually step onto the floor. Access and times can change, so check the official Library of Congress visit page before you go.
Planning a Visit to the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is free to visit, but you now need a free timed-entry pass to enter the Thomas Jefferson Building during regular hours. You can reserve passes up to 30 days ahead, and a batch of same-day passes is released online at 9am Eastern each morning the Library is open. Grab one from the official timed-entry pass page. The building is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:30pm), plus late on Thursday evenings until 8pm. Be ready for airport-style security at the entrance.
The Library of Congress is located next to the US Capitol on First St NE. If you plan to take the Metro to the Library of Congress there are a few options. The three closest stops are Capitol South (0.1 mile), Union Station (0.5 mile), and Eastern Market (0.7 mile).
You can also get to the Library of Congress via a Capital BikeShare bike or rent an electric scooter.
Library of Congress on Google MapsLibrary of Congress F.A.Q.
Here are frequently asked questions about the Library of congress in Washington DC.
What is the Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, housing millions of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other important historical documents.
Where is the Library of Congress located?
The Library of Congress is located in Washington, DC, specifically on Capitol Hill near the United States Capitol Building.
What are the hours of operation for the Library of Congress?
The Thomas Jefferson Building is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm (last entry 4:30pm), with extended hours on Thursday evenings until 8:00pm. It’s closed Sundays, Mondays, and select federal holidays.
Is there an admission fee to visit the Library of Congress?
No, admission to the Library of Congress is free and open to the public. Currently a free timed ticket is required to enter.
Do I need to make a reservation to visit the Library of Congress?
Yes. A free timed-entry pass is required during regular visitor hours. You can book up to 30 days in advance, and same-day passes are released online at 9am Eastern. Groups of 20 or more should use the large group reservation form instead.
Can you see the Main Reading Room?
Yes. You can view the Main Reading Room from a first-floor viewing area Tuesday through Friday, from 10:30 to 11:30am and 2:00 to 3:00pm, and the Library runs short five-minute walkthroughs onto the floor during those windows. It used to open only a couple of times a year, so this is a big improvement for visitors.
What can I do at the Library of Congress?
Visitors to the Library of Congress can take self-guided tours of the historic Thomas Jefferson Building, view exhibitions and displays of rare items, attend lectures and concerts, and conduct research in the reading rooms.
Can I check out books from the Library of Congress?
No, the Library of Congress is a reference library and materials cannot be checked out. Visitors can request items to be brought to the reading room for use during their visit.
Is there parking available at the Library of Congress?
No, there is no public parking available at the Library of Congress. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or public street parking in Capitol Hill.
Is the Library of Congress accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the Library of Congress is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities. The Thomas Jefferson Building has ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, and assistive listening devices are available for use during lectures and concerts.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to visiting the Library of Congress in Washington DC. If you’re at the Library of Congress I also recommend stopping by the US Capitol Building across the street also.
If you’ve enjoyed this post please share a pin on Pinterest
Keep up with the latest on my Washington DC Pinterest Board
