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VISITOR HOURS

Visitor hours for the Thomas Jefferson Building:

The Library buildings are closed New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.

While the Library is closed for research, the Thomas Jefferson Building is open for visitors on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day.

A limited number of same-day passes are made available each open day at 9:00 a.m. EST. An individual can reserve up to (20) timed-entry passes for their visit.

Please note: your timed-entry pass gains you entry to the Library’s public spaces and exhibitions. If you are interested in research, please visit this page to learn more.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Information for, accessibility, sign in/sign up.

Contact Person Information *

Secondary person contact information, group escort information *, group address.

Visitors must abide by all Library guidelines, including those listed below and/or guidelines posted at the Library. If a visitor or a member of their party fails to follow these guidelines, they may be denied entry or be asked to leave the premises.

Please review the following requirements and acknowledge your compliance below:

• TIMED ENTRY: Every Library of Congress visitor, regardless of age, must reserve timed-entry passes in order to maintain safe capacity levels in the Thomas Jefferson Building. Please bring your digital or printed pass to be scanned with a touchless device when you arrive at the Library.

o A limited number of timed-entry passes are available for each open day.

o Visitors can reserve timed-entry passes up to 30 days in advance on a rolling basis.

o Same-day timed-entry passes are released online at 9:00 a.m. EST each open day.

o Timed-entry pass reservations can be made for up to 20 people.

o Timed-entry passes may not be sold or transferred. Passes are valid only for the issued date and time and are void if altered.

o If you cannot visit the Library on your scheduled date, you may cancel your pass by contacting [email protected]. Passes cannot be transferred to alternate days.

o Please do not arrive before the entry time on your timed-entry pass.

o Visitors with timed-entry passes will be able to enter the Library until thirty minutes prior to building closure.

• MASKING: Masks are optional.

• GROUPS: Groups larger than 20 must contact [email protected] prior to reserving passes. Group reservations may be made up to 60 days in advance. Please be advised – voice amplification systems are not permitted inside the Thomas Jefferson Building.

• YOUNG VISITORS: Visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

• GUIDED EXPERIENCES (TOURS): The Library of Congress is not currently offering guided experiences or tours. Your visit will be self-guided. Volunteers are stationed throughout the building to provide directions, answer your questions and share stories about the Library’s building and collections.

• SELF-GUIDING THROUGH THE LIBRARY: Please be aware that navigating the Library’s public spaces in their entirety will take approximately 90 minutes, and will require about .5 miles of walking. Our highest visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily. During this timeframe, there may be long lines to access the Main Reading Room Overlook.

• SECURITY: All visitors must navigate “airport-like” security to enter the Thomas Jefferson Building. We encourage you to limit the number of personal belongings and bags you bring into our facilities as they will be subject to a thorough search. Limiting the items you bring will increase your speed through security checkpoints, helping us all maintain a safe social distance.

• PERSONAL BELONGINGS: There is a coat check station available on the Ground Floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building. Backpacks, bags, coats, strollers, and other personal items may be checked at no cost to the visitor.

• SHOPPING AND DINING: The Library Shop is open whenever the building is accessible to visitors. The Madison Cafe (6th Floor of the James Madison Building), Subway (Ground Floor of the James Madison Building) and Dunkin’ Donuts (Ground Floor of the James Madison Building) are open until 2pm for visitors.

• PRIVACY: The Library of Congress will safeguard the personal information that you submit on this form and use it only for the purpose of facilitating your visit. More on the Library’s Privacy Policy at https://www.loc.gov/legal/privacy-policy.

Visiting the Library of Congress

Library of Congress

Visit the Library of Congress' Thomas Jefferson Building, known for its magnificent 19th-century architecture and changing exhibitions. Discover historical treasures and photographs documenting America at your national library. Open Tuesdays - Saturdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free and open late 5 - 8 p.m. on Thursdays for Live! at the Library. Free timed-entry passes required at https://loc.gov/visit . Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Multilingual Tour Guides
Free Admission
Guided tours available
Educational Programming

Additional Information

Largest capacities.

Banquet capacity: 450, Theatre capacity: 480, Reception capacity: 1500

Group Maximum

Length of tour.

Less than 1 hour

Metro Station

Capitol South, Union Station

10 First St. SE Washington , DC 20540 United States

(202) 707-5000, [email protected].

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How To Visit the Library of Congress: 5 Answers to FAQs

Linh Anh Cat

Linh Anh Cat is a scientist who loves reading so much she does it for work and fun. She reads between her travels, hikes, and board games. Cozy reading weather is not a thing for Linh Anh since she is Florida-raised and California-refined. She is passionate about diversity and representation in science and literature.

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I first heard about the Library of Congress when I learned how to find books at the library in my elementary school. This was back in the good ole days before online library databases existed. We had to use the Library of Congress cataloguing system to find books by subject. As a kid, I thought the Library of Congress was an unvisitable, scholarly place.

In reality, the Library of Congress is very much a place you can visit, tour, and spend time in reading and researching. As an adult, I got a chance to move to Washington, D.C., and live a few blocks from the Library of Congress.

Even if it wasn’t a library, the Library of Congress would still be one of my favorite buildings because it’s so beautiful. Reading outside the Library is lovely. You get a nice view of the Library’s facade and a panoramic view of the Capitol (just be ready to see lots of tourists taking selfies)!

How to visit the Library of Congress: An FAQ guide. library of congress | visit the library of congress | library of congress questions | how to use the library of congress

Here are five answers to FAQs about visiting the Library of Congress:

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1. Where and what is the Library of Congress?

The Library of Congress was established in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 1800. Unlike the libraries most of us are familiar with, the circulation library doesn’t publicly circulate books. Instead, the Library of Congress mainly serves the 535 members of the U.S. Congress and their staff.

In fact, the Congressional Research Service are hundreds of experts in all types of fields that prepare objective reports for Congress based on the legislation they’re working on at the time. The Library of Congress has a budget of about $684 million and a staff of over 3,000 people.

2. Exactly how many books are in the Library of Congress?

The Library of Congress packs a whopping 38 million books, 3.6 million recordings, 14 million photographs, 5.5 million maps, 8.1 million pieces of sheet music, and 70 million manuscripts into its three buildings on Capitol Hill. There are other miscellaneous items in the Library that bring the grand total to 167 million items. To put that in perspective, most public libraries have anywhere from thousands to hundreds of thousands of books.

The U.S. does not have an official language. This is reflected by the Library of Congress, which has items in 450 different languages. It’s also the oldest federal cultural institution!

3. Who can use the Library of Congress?

Although the Library mainly serves Members of Congress, it is also open to the public to help with any research needs from members of the public. You can access these materials within the Library of Congress, but you can’t take them out. Additionally, you may request materials through an inter-library loan system as a “last resort,” but you will still have to look at the materials within the borrowing library.

4. How long does it take to tour the Library of Congress?

If you like to tour places yourself, plan for 1–2 hours, depending on how quickly you tend to saturate on museums and tours. If you want to take the tour, I would set aside 2–3 hours. The must-see parts of the Library of Congress are the Main Reading Room and the Great Hall, which is where you enter the Library. The Great Hall itself is worth examining closely—there are intricate designs on the wall that include various fields of study and quotes from famous scientists, poets, artists and others.

The Main Reading Room is viewed from a soundproof glass room, but you can actually enter it (see next FAQ). There are also several exhibits in the Library, and my favorite one is a display of Thomas Jefferson’s original library (or replacements for books that were documented in his personal library). It is gorgeously encased in a spiral glass bookshelf. I was also surprised and fascinated by what the third president of the U.S. was reading.

Bonus: the Supreme Court and Capitol buildings are extremely close and are also worth touring the same day you do the Library of Congress. There are also plenty of restaurants if you continue walking past the Library of Congress if you need a lunch break!

5. How can I use the Reading Rooms?

Obtain a Reader Identification Card . Anyone with a government ID can get one, even if you aren’t a D.C. resident. The whole process takes 15–30 min, depending on how busy they Library is—just ask the front desk to direct you towards the office that issues the cards, since you have to walk down a relatively empty and unmarked hallway to get there.

Once you have a Reader Identification Card, you can enter the Main Reading Room, which most visitors observe from above through a soundproof glass room. In my opinion, entering the Main Reading Room is worth experiencing, even if you are only visiting for the day. There is an unmatched sense of awe and scholarliness you get just from being in the room.

Here are more tips on how to make the most of your Library of Congress experience. Happy visiting!

9 Unputdownable Books that Will Grip You Till the Last Page

Library of Congress: Research, Exhibits, Concerts & More

Victoria Chamberlain / TripSavvy

The Library of Congress in Washington, DC , is the world’s largest library containing more than 128 million items including books, manuscripts, films, photographs, sheet music, and maps. As part of the legislative branch of government, the Library of Congress includes several internal divisions, including the Office of the Librarian, Congressional Research Service, U.S. Copyright Office, Law Library of Congress, Library Services, and the Office of Strategic Initiatives.

The Library of Congress is open to the public and offers exhibitions, interactive displays, concerts, films, lectures and special events. The Thomas Jefferson Building is one of the most beautiful buildings in the nation's capital and free guided tours are highly recommended. To conduct research, you must be at least 16 years of age and obtain a Reader Identification Card in the Madison Building.

The Library of Congress occupies three buildings on Capitol Hill . The Thomas Jefferson Building is located at 10 First St. S.E., across from the U.S. Capitol. The John Adams Building is directly behind the Jefferson Building to the east on Second St. S.E. The James Madison Memorial Building, at 101 Independence Ave. S.E. is just south of the Jefferson Building. The Library of Congress has direct access to the Capitol Visitor Center via a tunnel. The closest metro station to the Library of Congress is Capitol South.

Library of Congress Experience

The “Library of Congress Experience” opened in 2008, featuring a series of ongoing exhibitions and dozens of interactive kiosks offering visitors unique historical and cultural treasures brought to life through cutting-edge interactive technology. The Library of Congress Experience incorporates the "Exploring the Early Americas" exhibition which tells the story of the Americas before the time of Columbus, as well as the period of contact, conquest and their aftermath. It features unique objects from the Library's Jay I. Kislak Collection, as well as Martin Waldseemüller's 1507 Map of the World, the first document to use the word "America." All exhibits are free and open to the public.

Concerts at the Library of Congress

Most concerts are at 8 p.m. in the Coolidge Auditorium in the Jefferson Building. Tickets are distributed by TicketMaster.com . Various ticketing service charges apply. Although the supply of tickets may be exhausted, there are often empty seats at concert time. Interested patrons are encouraged to come to the Library by 6:30 p.m. on concert nights to wait in the standby line for no-show tickets. Pre-concert presentations are at 6:30 p.m. in the Whittall Pavilion and do not require tickets.

History of the Library of Congress

Created in 1800, the Library of Congress was originally located in the U.S. Capitol Building on the National Mall. In 1814, the Capitol Building was burned in a fire and the library was destroyed. Thomas Jefferson offered to donate his personal collection of books and Congress agreed to purchase them in 1897 and established its own location on Capitol Hill. The building was named the Jefferson Building in honor of Jefferson’s generosity. Today, the Library of Congress consists of two additional buildings, the John Adams and the James Madison Buildings, which were added to accommodate the library’s growing collection of books. The two presidents are remembered for their dedication towards improving the Library of Congress.

The Library of Congress Gift Shop

Unique gift items are available from the Library of Congress online shop . Purchase a wide range of items such as books, calendars, clothing, games, crafts, toys, jewelry, music, posters and much more. All proceeds are used to support the Library of Congress. Visit their official website for more information.

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Timed-Entry Ticket Reservations

Thomas jefferson building, washington, dc.

The Library of Congress will be open to visitors on Wednesday, June 19, 10am-5pm. The Library of Congress will be open to visitors on July 4th, from 10am-5pm. There will be no Live! at the Library from 5pm-8pm. FREE TIMED-ENTRY TICKETS REQUIRED

Every Library of Congress visitor, regardless of age, must have a free timed-entry ticket to enter the historic Thomas Jefferson Building. Passes are available 30 days in advance.

RESERVING TICKETS

Please select an available date from the calendar and your desired entry time. An individual can reserve up to 20 timed-entry tickets for their visit. The Library is closed for public visits on Sundays and Mondays, and select federal holidays.

SAME-DAY TICKETS

Is the date you are seeking currently sold out? A limited number of same-day tickets are made available each open day at 9:00 a.m. through this website.

VISITOR HOURS

Monday: CLOSED Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED

Last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing.

HELPFUL INFORMATION AND LINKS

Plan Your Visit Exhibitions Event Calendar Live! At The Library Information for Researchers Information for Kids & Families

ACCESSIBILITY

Library of Congress buildings are fully accessible. Please contact [email protected] , or call (202) 707-6362 with any ADA related needs at least five business days in advance of your visit.

Thomas Jefferson Building 10 First Street, SE Washington, DC 20540

[email protected] | (202) 707-9779

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Ultimate Guide to the Library of Congress

quickwhittravel

I’ll give you one guess for my #1 favorite building in D.C., and quite possibly the world.

The Library of Congress! It has special meaning to me because: I love books, I got my first job here, and I love it so much I had my bridal portraits done here! So at long last, here is your ultimate guide to visiting the Library of Congress, or LOC!

Know Before You Go

Opening times.

Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:30am-9:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am-4:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-9:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am-9:30pm
Friday: 9:30am-4:00pm
Saturday: 9:30am-4:00pm

You will have to go through security, but the Library of Congress and Capitol Buildings are connected with an underground system of tunnels, so if you go through security for one, just use the tunnels instead of going through security all over again!

Closest Metro

You have two options: the Capitol South Metro on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines; the Union Station Metro on the Red line is also nearby!

Three buildings that make up the Library of Congress:

John Adams Building 120 2nd Street SE

Why Adams? He is the president who signed the law that created a Library of Congress. This is the second oldest of the Library of Congress buildings.

Thomas Jefferson Building 10 First Street SE

This is the beautiful building. When people talk about the Library of Congress, this is the building they’re talking about. This is where Ben Gates went to do research in National Treasure !

James Madison Memorial Building 101 Independence Avenue SE

This is the Law Library, the place where you can get your library card, and my first job in D.C. was located here! I say job, but it was really more of an unpaid internship, and I really, really loved it!

Getting a Library Card

It’s true! You can get a Library of Congress Library Card. The process is simpler now than the last time I got a card, so that’s pretty exciting. You must be 16 or older to get a library card, and you will have to bring a government-issued ID (must be a passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID card) with you when you pick up your card. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Pre-register

All you need to know about the pre-registration process is on their website . You will simply read the legal statement; fill in your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, age, and whether you plan to use the library for personal-job-related research or academic research; confirm your details; and then submit!

2. Pick Up Your Card

Bring your ID (passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID) and head over to the Madison Building Room LM 140 . That’s it!

There’s a lot of history to cover for a place as significant to national and world culture. There are over 103 MILLION items in the Library of Congress! But here are the highlights to pique your interest and get you started:

Started as a legislative library in 1800
Originally located in the Capitol (you can still see where it was on the Capitol Tour )
The British burned it (along with most of D.C.) in August 1814, during the War of 1812
in 1815, Jefferson sold his personal library to Congress: 6,487 books for $23,950
An accidental fire destroyed 35,000 books in 1850
The Library opened up to the general public after the Civil War; previously it was used exclusively for congressional purposes
The Thomas Jefferson Building (the beautiful one where you’ll take a tour) was completed in 1897

For all the details, check out the Library of Congress website !

The Jefferson Building public tours are offered Monday-Friday on the half hours from 10:30am-3:30pm and last one hour each. Tours are offered Saturdays at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm.

On the tour you’ll learn all about the symbolism of the architecture, the frescoes on the walls, and where all the materials came from. It’s truly a global institution!

For a list of all their current tours, including online tours, click here !

Ongoing Exhibits

There are several exhibits in the Library of Congress, most of which are ongoing with no end date. But that doesn’t mean you should put off a visit! Here’s a quick run-down of all ongoing exhibits:

Thomas Jefferson’s Library: This one is my favorite! Many of Thomas Jefferson’s books are on display. You can look at the titles and see if you’ve read any of the same books!
Mapping a Growing Nation: I love maps! This rare map is the first American map of the new United States ever published!
Hope for America: This one is all about Bob Hope! The entertainment industry has been razzing politics and politicians forever, but it got taken up a notch in the 20th century. This exhibit showcases some of the best parts of that.
Here to Stay: I don’t know about you, but I love musicals and old movies, and George and Ira Gershwin are two of the reasons why! The brothers wrote some of the world’s most well-known and memorable show tunes, and this exhibit highlights the very best of their legendary lives and careers!
Exploring Early America: This exhibit is all about Native Americans and early contact with European explorers. There’s even a map on display from 1507!
Herblock Gallery: You can find this one in the funny pages. It’s all about the comics! The works of cartoonist Herbert L. Block are on rotating display, meaning you should come back often to see them all!
Swann Gallery: And speaking of cartoons, this gallery highlights comics, graphic novels, political cartoons, and more!

Check the Library of Congress Exhibitions page for more information on the ongoing exhibits and everything you need to know about the changing exhibits!

Special Programs

One of the most surprising things I learned while working at the Library of Congress was that they offer FREE programs to the public! Everything from musical performances to lectures, from movie showings to book talks happen here, so take a look at their calender and plan to be there for something that interests you!

Avoiding Crowds

Go early, my friends! That’s how you avoid crowds in D.C. Show up a few minutes before the Library of Congress opens and be one of the first through the doors. Also, come in winter. January and February are D.C.’s low-tourist months. Things start to pick up in March and April due to cherry blossom festival-goers and 8th grade trips. May-August is high season. September-November is the shoulder season, and December picks up a bit due to Christmas festivities.

Steathy Security

There are underground tunnels connecting the Capitol Building, Libraries of Congress, and Supreme Court. Use them so that you will only have to go through security once! You will waste valuable time standing in the security line at each site, plus you’ll have to go through metal detectors and/or be searched at each location. Use the tunnels to avoid these time stealers!

Closed on Sundays

Don’t come on Sunday. Or on federal holidays. You’ll be disappointed! Hours are:

Come at Christmas

You will definitely want to see it decorated for the season, plus it’s a great place to be on a cold day!

More here: The Best Christmas Trees in D.C.

Want more? Read all about everything there is to see and do on my Washington, D.C. Page !

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5 Tips for Visiting the Library of Congress in Washington DC

The Largest Library in the World is non-other than the Library of Congress in Washington DC. Never in my life had I ever said, I need to go there. That was until I stepped foot through the doors.

After visiting the Library of Congress nothing will ever compare to the experience. It has more art, sculptures, and script in one room than I have seen. And that was all without seeing a single book.

The history inside the doors could rival the White House , Smithsonians , and the National Archives put together. It contains the best parts of Washington DC wrapped up all in one location.

I left with just one impression, Everyone Need To Visit the Library of Congress in Washington DC.

What is the Library of Congress?

The Library houses more than 167 million items in 470 different languages. That includes 38 million books, 3.6 million recordings, 14 million photographs, 5.5 million maps, 8.1 million pieces of sheet music, and 70 million manuscripts.

It doesn’t contain every book published but that’s still an impressive collection. The Library of Congress is so big, that the books are housed in three different buildings in Washington D.C. and another annex in Virginia.

The buildings are called the Thomas Jefferson Building, James Madison Memorial Building and the John Adams Building. The most visited one, located directly behind the US Capitol, and it the Thomas Jefferson Building.

There are tunnels in between the buildings, along with a tunnel to the US Capitol.

The library was first established in 1800 by President John Adams. He wanted to build a collection of books ‘as may be necessary for the use of Congress’. The initial collection of books was in the Capitol building.

In 1814 when the British invaded and burned down the building books and all. The library needed to be rebuilt. President Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his personal collection of books to refill the library’s collection.

Why would you want to visit a library on vacation?

Most of the time when you go to a library it’s to borrow a book or other material at a library. The majority of visitors to the Library of Congress go to view the library and the collection inside. From floor to ceiling there the place is impeccably designed.

As someone who can easily spend an hour in Barns and Noble or my local library browsing, the titles at the Library of Congress was amazing.

The only disappointing part was there only a few books you can get close to while visiting the Library of Congress. The only exception was the Thomas Jefferson Collection.

Can you walk into the Library of Congress?

Yes, anyone can walk into the Library of Congress. You’ll get access the main area of the library. In order to brows the library books, you’ll need to make advanced reservations.

Is the Library of Congress free to visit?

Yes, the Library of Congress if free of charge.

Can anyone access the Library of Congress?

Yes, visiting the Library of Congress is like many other places in DC, where you can walk right in. No tickets are necessary. Inside you’ll be able o walk around, and view the exhibits, architecture, and more.

The only thing you can’t do is go inside the main bookroom. In order to go inside there, you’ll need to get special permission. If you plan on doing some research, you’ll need to contact the library in advance, and they will assist you.

The Thomas Jefferson Building

The main library is a show piece. From the great hall to the grand ceiling. Throughout the building you’ll see intricate carvings and artwork. It is a mix of an art and architecture with a bit of history and a few books! Ok, a lot of books. There is an immense collection of books.

The Thomas Jefferson Collection

Thomas Jefferson’s exhibition holds a collection of books. It is in a separate area behind a glass display case. Sections of books are being digitized for online use.

His collection is vast. He collected works on poetry, philosophy, government, and everything in between. What’s amazing is what is on display is only a part of his collection.

Almost two-thirds of the 6,487 books were lost in the second fire in 1851. The library has created an amazing tribute to his collection.

The Gutenberg Bible

The Library of Congress is one of a handful of places in the US where you can view a Guttenberg Bible.

The Guttenberg Bible actually wasn’t the first printed book with a metal movable typeface but it is the first one to use the technique in Western Europe.

The last time one was sold, it went for 5.5 million in 1987. When Guttenberg first started printing in the early 1450s, he made 180 bibles.

Only 49 bibles survive today and are scattered around the world with a few around the United States.

The Bible is on display in the library on the first floor near the entrance. It is only one of four that were printed on vellum.

Other Collections

In addition to some staples, there are other rotating collections at the Library of Congress.

When we were there, they had a ‘Shall Not Be Denied: Women Fight for the Vote and Mapping a Growing Nation, featuring how our nation was shaped. To me, it was almost like being in a wing of the Smithsonian or the National Archives.

They also had on display a collection of artifacts from Baseball throughout history. My favorite was the original uniforms from the Rockford Peaches All American Girls Professional Baseball team.

Make sure to stop into at least one of the Smithsonian’s while in Washington DC. There are a ton and they are all free! Click here to find out more .

Can you walk into the Library of Congress Rooms?

Visiting the Library of Congress, the books stay on the premises. If you need to do research, you have to obtain a reader card. Then you’ll get to enter the reading rooms.

A librarian will get the materials off the shelf for you. Depending on how rare the book is, you may or may not be able to touch it.

The main reading room is available to view on the first floor. There is also a main reading room overlook on the Third Floor. They ask that you keep your voices down for those studying.

Tips to Plan Your Visit to the Library of Congress

Get to the library early or reserve tickets.

Visiting the Library of Congress was more popular than I imagined it would be. I ended up going on a whim. The Library is located behind the State Capitol.

It doesn’t come near the crowds of the Smithsonian’s but still, it was an effort just to get through the doors, complete with their own security protocols.

Get there early in the day. The Thomas Jefferson building is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with extended hours on Thursday.

There are a limited number of same-day passes are made available at 9 a.m. Save yourself the hassle and get a free timed entry pass .

Security is right at the front door, with no inside waiting. If a line starts to form, you’ll be waiting outside the doors exposed to the elements. Be prepared.

How long do you need to tour Library of Congress?

The Library of Congress tours are free of the Thomas Jefferson Building every hour starting at 10:30. Each tour lasts 1 hour long. Tours start at the ground floor information desk. They recommend you get there about 20 minutes prior to the tour start because the group tours fill up fast.

You can also do a self-guided tour inside the library.

If you want to skip the line, you can schedule a private tour that takes you through the Library of Congress, the Capital, and the Supreme Court. I recommend getting tickets before you leave because they will sell out. Get your tickets by clicking here .

How to get to the Library of Congress?

The Library of Congress stretches out to multiple buildings. But the most prominent one pictured here is directly behind the US Captial, called the Jefferson Building.

It’s accessible via Uber, Scooter, or Bike. We ended up using a capital share bike rental and dropping the bikes off a couple of blocks past the library.

As a quick word of caution, you are on busier streets and the sidewalks were packed. It was also a slow incline the whole way there.

You’ll know why it’s called capitol hill after making the climb. If you want to avoid walking in sweaty, consider Ubering there and biking back to the mall.

There are tons of ways to get around Washington DC on a budget. Check out some more great options to take advantage of the Best way to get around Washington DC with Public Transportation

Enjoy yourself

Take your time when visiting the Library of Congress. I don’t think you will ever be in a building that is this beautiful again. But if you do need to rush, you could probably see all the most important pieces in about an hour.

To learn more about the Library Of Congress, I recommend reading America’s Greatest Library by John Y Cole . He does an excellent job of displaying the history and magnitude of this beautiful library.

When Britain Burned the White House by Peter Snow goes into more detail about when the British came to burn Washington.

Other Things to Do Around the Library of Congress

Other attractions to visit.

If you enjoyed visiting the Library of Congress, you should also take the tunnels over the State Capitol. They offer free tours with no reservations required.

You can also get the chance to see Congress in action! I also recommend visiting the National Archives.

These have some of the most amazing pieces of our history on display. I am still shocked to this day that they are still around after the war of 1812. I hope you have a great time on your visit to the Library of Congress.

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Minnesota native and Midwest travel expert Jennifer provides insider tips and budget-friendly trip ideas for families looking to explore the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Through her travel blog DayTripper28, she draws on first-hand experience to recommend the best hidden gems, outdoor adventures, road trips, and weekend getaways around Minnesota and the Midwest. With her passion for uncovering local flavors and culture along the backroads, Jennifer shares affordable itineraries for creating memorable experiences across the region.

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Library of Congress Tours

The Library of Congress Building on Capitol Hill is one of Washington, DC's best architectural treasures and a must-visit for all.

Better still, it's free to enter , whether you are using the library for research or a visiting tourist.

And, as local tour guides who regularly lead tours here, we are lucky to have jobs with some of the best office space in the world.

A few of us have researched here, and one of our guides even worked here.

And, as tour guides, we are asked daily about how to visit, when is the best time, etc.

It's also a regular topic of discussion in our Washington, DC Travel Tips Facebook group, where our tour guides answer your questions about Washington, DC.

So, we decided to use our personal experiences and expertise to create to answer as many of your questions as possible.

This post explains how to take a Library of Congress tour as well as highlights and exhibits that you will see.

Be sure to join us on one of our Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Tours .

Timed Tickets
Plan Your Visit
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tour
Current Exhibitions
How to Get a Library Card
Things to Do in DC

Why I love taking guests to the Library of Congress

Timed tickets.

As of 2024, the Library requires timed tickets in order to visit inside.

Admission to the Library of Congress is still free, but you will need to make reservations before arriving.

This process takes about 5 minutes and they usually have more than enough spots open each day.

Tickets can be reserved up to 30 days in advance, so you have plenty of time to plan out your trip.

That said, even visitors making plans the night before should have few if any issues. If you find the date you want is full, same day tickets are released at 9am the day of online.

Even if you forgot to reserve tickets, you can always take the Capitol & Library of Congress Tour , which runs twice a day, Tuesday through Saturday

We talk about and see the of the Library of Congress, as well as the Supreme Court and US Capitol.

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

The Library of Congress is home to over 158 million items including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, films, and more.

Today, the complex has multiple buildings but the most breathtaking is the original: the Thomas Jefferson Building.

Best Time to Visit

How to get here.

Things to Do Nearby

The Library of Congress is free to visit and open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm (open late on Thursdays) and is closed on Sundays , Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

While timed tickets are required , there is not one time that is better than the others.

The Main Reading Room is open to visitors:

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday-Friday
2 pm to 3 pm Tuesday-Friday
Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Because of this unique experience, these times are often busier.

When the main reading room is not open to visitors, you can still view it via the second floor overlook.

Address : 10 First Street, SE, Washington, DC 20540 ( map ).

We recommend using the map link to get exact directions, as there are 4 Metro lines in two stations for access to the Jefferson Building.

The closest is Capitol South ( Orange / Silver / Blue ), which is just a 5-minute walk. The other is Union Station ( Red ), which is a 15-minute walk.

Learn more about riding the Metro with our guide .

Find and reserve available parking in the area with SpotHero .

You can also access the Library of Congress and bypass security if you're already in the Capitol Visitor Center.

There is a tunnel that connects the two buildings, allowing you to go to the Library of Congress without having to go back through security.

The tunnel will bring you to the basement level of the Library, where you'll also find the Visitor Desk and the start of their guided docent-led tours.

As with most buildings in D.C., expect to go through security. You can find their exact guidelines here.

There is no eating or drinking allowed in the building, though visitors are allowed to enter as long as any food or drink is stored in a bag.

Photography is allowed in most of the building, though there is no flash photography allowed in the Bibles, the Reading Room, and the Jefferson Room.

If you're visiting the U.S. Capitol Building first, you do not need to go through security again at the Library of Congress, if you take the access tunnel that connects both.

Do note that food and drink are not permitted in the Capitol.

Things to do Nearby

The Library of Congress is part of Capitol Hill, so make a half-day of it and also visit:

United States Capitol Building
Supreme Court Building

You're also walking distance from Union Station, where you'll find a nearby Metro Station and a food court for quick meal options.

It's a beautiful building in its own right, so take our self-guided tour of the building while you're at it.

About a 10-minute walk along Pennsylvania Ave, you'll find Eastern Market.

It is one of our favorite neighborhoods to explore local restaurants, or join our Eastern Market Food Tour !

TOURS OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

The Library of Congress offers tours of the Thomas Jefferson Building, including guided, self-guided, and virtual tours.

Take a Guided tour with us!

Our Capitol Hill & Library of Congress tour with VisitDC tours included ticketed access and a guided tour of the interior of the Library of Congress.

Official Guided Tours

These are the official tours that visitors enjoy on most days of the week.

This free general tour covers the art and architecture of the Jefferson Building, including a view into the main reading room, as well as the history and purpose of the library itself.

Each tour lasts 1 hour and takes place every day, except Sundays. Tours depart from the ground floor information desk.

Reserved Group Tours

The Library also offers special docent-led tours to groups of 10 or more.

These tours must be prearranged by calling the Visitor Services Office: at (202) 707-8000 or emailing them at [email protected].

The reserved group tours include:

Thomas Jefferson: The Man and His Ideas
Music and Performing Arts
Exploring the Early Americas

Self-Guided and Online Tours

Below, we have provided our extensive self-guided tour of the interior and exterior of the Jefferson Building.

The library itself offers an offer an online tou r, though we recommend using our self-guided tour below.

On-site, visitors can find interactive touch-screen displays that explain what is in view of the visitor.

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Once you pass security, the first major room is the Great Hall. As you enter the Great Hall, you'll immediately look up.

This interior section of the building is nearly double the height of the entrance hall.

The works you see all around you are the efforts of 50 artists to contribute to the sculptures, paintings, and murals.

Scroll and zoom in to take a closer look at the Great Hall

Above you, look at the rose windows in the ceiling.

Most people assume that it is silver leaf surrounding the stained glass windows, but it is an aluminum leaf, which is more valuable at the time than silver leaf.

The various single names you see inscribed on the ceiling throughout the building are the last names of authors who have made great contributions to literature.

The first one most people spot is Bacon!

Below you are the symbols of the zodiac signs surrounding a brass inlay of the sun in the center.

Look at the staircases on either side of the Great Hall. Along the outside of each banister, you'll see " putti " which was popular during the Italian Renaissance.

These figures each represent a different profession or hobby that was popular in American life at the time of construction.

If you look closely at these little boys, each is holding an attribute of their profession.

A mechanic holds a wrench, an artist holds a paintbrush, and an etymologist holds a butterfly net.

See if you can figure out what jobs are portrayed by looking at each of the items held by the putti .

The original idea was to put sculptures of adult men holding these symbols of professions but the proportions did not work out as well within the banister as the putti.

In the center of each banister at each side, the theme of the entire library is once again represented: the universality of knowledge.

On either side of the globe, figures represent the Americas and Africa on one side with a view of these continents on the globe they hold and a view of Europe and Asia on the opposite side of the Great Hall.

The Bible Collection

View a rare, perfect copy of the Gutenberg Bible (the first Bible printed using the printing press).

Here you can view a bible from the 1400s Germany.

See how the typeface of the printed Gutenberg Bible is similar to handwriting? They didn't have Times New Roman back then!

Once you've seen those, head upstairs to the upper level of the Great Hall.

Note the groves worn into the marble steps from more than a century of fellow travelers and researchers.

On the east side of the building, you'll see a set of steps leading up to the Main Reading Room Overlook.

The Main Reading Room

Though technically not an exhibit, this is certainly a spectacle that should not be missed during your visit to Washington, DC.

Have you seen National Treasure 2?

This is the room that hides the Presidential Book of Secrets (we can neither confirm nor deny that it is really there.)

To view the Main Reading Room, you can access the overlook from the second level of the Jefferson building.

The Main Reading Room will be open to visitors from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 2 pm to 3 pm Tuesday-Friday.

A set of stairs in the back leads to a small walk-through so you can have a peek into this beautiful room.

The library discourages flash photography and talking in the walk-through as there are often researchers below.

During busy times, a staff member is on hand to monitor the line but otherwise, just head up the steps and stay to the right!

As you head up the stairs toward the viewing platform, you will be greeted by a large mosaic of Minerva, the Roman Goddess of Wisdom, holding a list of fields of study and accompanied by an animal we all associate with wisdom: the owl.

Inside the Main Reading Room, look up towards the dome.

The personification of Human Understanding is surrounded by twelve figures that represent the various cultures that have contributed to the universality of knowledge.

Egypt represents Written Records.
Judea represents Religion.
Greece represents Philosophy.
Rome represents Administration.
Islam represents Physics.
The Middle Ages represent Modern Languages.
Italy represents Fine Arts.
Germany represents the Art of Printing.
Spain represents Discovery.
England represents Literature.
France represents Emancipation.
America represents Science.

The bronze statues depict men who have contributed to:

Religion : Saint Paul the Apostle ( a leader of the first generation of Christians) and Moses ( Hebrew prophet, teacher, and leader)
Commerce : Christopher Columbus ( explorer and navigator who helped open the Americas to European colonization ) and Robert Fulton ( American engineer and inventor known for the steam-powered engine )
History : Edward Gibbon ( author of The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire) and Herodotus (Greek author of the first great narrative history produced in the ancient world, the History of the Greco-Persian Wars )
Art : Ludwig van Beethoven ( German composer and musician between the Classical and Romantic periods. and Michelangelo ( Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet )
Philosophy : Plato ( Ancient Greek philosopher ) and Francis Bacon (British lawyer, statesman, and philosopher)
Poetry : William Shakespeare ( English poet, dramatist, and actor ) and Homer (the supposed author of the Illiad and Odyssey )
Law : Solon ( Athenian statesmen) and James Kent ( helped shape common laws of both the new United States and England )
Science : Sir Isaac Newton ( English physicist and mathematician ) and Joseph Henry ( American scientist )

Want to see the Main Reading Room up close? A few times a year on certain holidays the Main Reading Room is open to visitors!

The Thomas Jefferson Building, an Italian Renaissance-inspired structure, opened in 1897 to great renown.

When people visited Washington, they didn't write home about the Capitol Building or the White House, instead, they wrote home about the Library of Congress.

In many ways, the grandiosity of the building was an attempt (and a successful one) to prove America's strength in science, literature, and the arts - subjects that European countries had been dominating for hundreds of years.

For example, the building's dome, which is topped with the "Torch of Learning," is plated in 23-carat gold.

The art featured in the building is meant to showcase human achievement.

However, it also reveals the prejudice of the time, as most of the great thinkers featured throughout the building are male and Westerners.

However, representing the universality of knowledge, there are also thirty-three ethnological heads, which show a wide variety of countries and cultures, that surround the exterior of the building.

As you move to walk up the steps, take a moment to view the fountain on the road level.

This fountain of Neptune, the Roman God of the Sea. His sister, Minerva, is featured inside the building.

The king is surrounded by his court with his sons, the Tritons, and horses, symbolizing water.

He protects the sea of knowledge that is the Library of Congress' collections behind him.

The grand figure of Neptune would be 12 feet tall if he were standing!

While the fountain is not always on, the wavy lines of the sculptures do mimic the flowing of the water.

A particular favorite is the "spitting" turtles at the front of the fountain.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

There are permanent and rotating exhibits at the Library of Congress, and now there are also ones you can view virtually:

PERMANENT EXHIBITS

*NEW EXHIBIT* We are so excited about the new exhibit opening on June 14, 2024. While they say it is running until Decmeber 2024, we hope it will become a permanent exhibit.

“Collecting Memories " in the new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery

The exhibit will show some of the treasures held in the Library's collection:

Abraham Lincoln’s handwritten draft of the Gettysburg Address in 1863.
The contents of Lincoln’s pockets on the night he was assassinated in 1865.
Designs for the Washington Monument and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial .
James Madison’s crystal flute (most recently brought into news by being played by Lizzo)
A landmark first map of the newly independent United States compiled, printed and published in America by Abel Buell in 1784.
Pioneering civil rights and women’s rights activist and educator Mary Church Terrell’s draft for her autobiography , “A Colored Woman in a White World.”
Photos documenting the first nuclear bomb explosion overseen by J. Robert Oppenheimer – and a harrowing account of the bomb’s devastation from a Japanese teacher who survived the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima in 1945.

Thomas Jefferson Library Collection

On the upper level of the Great Hall, you'll find the Thomas Jefferson Collection in the south gallery.

The actual collection is in the back room so you will have to walk through one of the Library's rotating exhibits to get to it.

A must-see while visiting the Library of Congress is the collection of Thomas Jefferson.

After the Burning of Washington in 1814, the original library collection was destroyed.

Jefferson sold his 6,487 books to create a new collection but his was different - it included a Latin translation of Euclid's Geometry and a book on beekeeping.

He said that there was no topic that one day Congress might not need.

His collection is circular and you can imagine Jefferson at his desk in his swivel chair surrounded by his books.

They are organized into three categories: Memory, Reason, and Imagination, as directed by Jefferson.

He, however, arranged his books on each shelf by size.

When you're viewing the books, they are not all originals owned by Thomas Jefferson.

Nearly two-thirds were lost in another fire but the Library was able to recreate the collection. Look closely at each book and you'll see a tag sticking out of the pages on the top.

Gold : original to Jefferson Collection
Green : purchased by the Library, but same year and edition as Jeffersons'
Call Number/No Tag: was already in the Library collection, but the same year and edition as Jeffersons'
No Book: They are still looking for one! Have any 18th c. books at home?

Mapping A Growing Nation: From Independence to Statehood - North Gallery - First Floor.

Abel Bu ell’s New and Correct Map of the United States of North America is the first map of the newly independent United States compiled, printed, and published in America by an American. Learn more .

ROTATING EXHIBITS

Join In: Voluntary Associations in America (closes July 6, 2024)

Not An Ostrich: And Other Images from America's Library

Southwest Gallery, Thomas Jefferson Building | Ongoing

This exhibit explores photography from daguerreotypes to contemporary digital technology.

The earliest exhibit is from 1839.

These curated pieces, taken from the Library of Congress collection of photographs, show unfamiliar people and places, and some offer a different view of popular events and themes.

View All Pieces from the Exhibit

Here to Stay: The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin

Gershwin Gallery, Ground Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building | Ongoing

"The exhibition celebrates the lives and work of George and Ira Gershwin through music manuscripts and other documents from the Gershwin collection that chronicle their lives and careers. The display includes George’s piano and desk, Ira’s typing table and typewriter, and self-portraits in oil by each brother."

HOW TO GET A LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LIBRARY CARD

Visitors can obtain a library card at the reader registration station in Room LM-140 of the Madison Building.

This building is across Independence Ave from the Jefferson Building.

You will also have to go through security to enter this building. Room LM 140 is on the ground level to the left of security.

Must be 16 years old or older, have a valid driver's license or passport, and complete a brief registration process to qualify.

HISTORY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institution in the country.

When the capital officially moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., President John Adams signed an act that stipulated that a library be made available to Congress and that a "suitable apartment" be created to contain it.

Thus, $5,000 was appropriated by Congress to establish the Library of Congress, which was originally housed in the Capitol Building.

However, in 1814, British troops arrived in Washington, D.C. with the intention of destroying the capital city.

The Capitol Building was burned, and all of the books in the Library of Congress were lost with it.

Shortly thereafter, retired President Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his entire collection -- over 6,000 books -- to the U.S. government to establish a new Library of Congress.

His collection caused some controversy; Jefferson's library included books in foreign languages, as well as books on philosophy, science, and mathematics.

Yet, Jefferson emphasized that "there is no subject to which a Member of Congress may not have occasion to refer."

The government eventually purchased his entire collection for $23,950.

In 1870, the size of the Library would increase dramatically as the Copyright Law was passed, requiring that all copyright applicants send 2 copies of their work to the Library of Congress.

The now rapidly growing collection required more space, and so Congress commissioned a new building, specifically dedicated for use by the Library, to be built.

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Why You Should Visit the Library of Congress in DC

Washington DC’s Library of Congress is unmissable. It doesn’t matter if you are a tourist or local citizen, there are always fantastic places to visit in DC, all year round. This week we are looking at the famous Library of Congress and you may be surprised to learn that this is the biggest library in the world and it really does make for a fascinating literary and historical experience. Check out our selection of Washington DC Tours , and if you’d like to learn more about the city, here are 5 things you probably don’t know about Washington DC !

What Can You Find in the Library of Congress?

You will find the Library of Congress housed across a total of three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington DC and these are the Thomas Jefferson Building, the James Madison Memorial Building and the John Adams Building. The library is home to more than a staggering 164 million items including photos, records, maps, books and much, much more. There is also the museum to explore and with some incredible exhibits on display in the Thomas Jefferson Building.

The library has a long history and is one of the most historical locations in the whole of Washington DC. Each building that we have mentioned above can be entered free of charge so it is an excellent tourist destination for those looking to learn a bit more about the city. Each building is open Monday – Saturday except for Christmas, Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day so there are plenty of opportunities to visit if you are in town.

If visiting places of historical significance, then perhaps you’d also be interested in our Arlington National Cemetery and DC Memorials tour . Here you’ll be able to visit other significant places of interest such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the Arlington National Cemetery!

The Best Visitor Experience

You can really appreciate the library in the Thomas Jefferson Building where it is possible to get the best visitor experience. You will be blown away just walking through the door and the Gilded Age architecture is simply stunning. It really is an interior visual masterpiece that you won’t find anywhere else so once you have taken some snaps for your Instagram account you can then begin to explore the building in its entirety.

There are so many exhibits to enjoy and these are often ongoing meaning that displays are rotated throughout the year. If you like political cartoons then the Swann Gallery is a fun visit while the Herblock Gallery offers a look at some of the work by political cartoonist Herbert L. Block. The Thomas Jefferson Library offers a stunning glimpse into the Founding Father’s incredible collection of books so there really is plenty to see and do in this historical building.

Some other exhibits focus on Native American culture and the conflicts of the historical conflicts of these people with the various parts of Europe. Additionally, there are plenty of wartime exhibits to look at as well with the Echoes of the Great War: American Experiences of World War 1 particularly worth a visit. If you’ve visited the Smithsonian Natural Museum then you will absolutely love the Library of Congress so get in touch and we can help you plan your trip!

The Library of Congress wants more visitors. Spider-Man, Santana and Lincoln are on deck

The Library of Congress is unveiling an eclectic new exhibit drawing on the institution’s vast historical archives and designed to make the Library a more popular and accessible destination for visitors and tourists

WASHINGTON — The Library of Congress is unveiling an eclectic new exhibit drawing on the institution’s vast historical archives and designed to make the library a more popular and accessible destination for visitors and tourists.

“Collecting Memories” — which opens to the public on June 13 — is an intensely curated exhibit that brings together items as varied as ancient Hebrew religious texts, the contents of President Abraham Lincoln’s pockets when he was assassinated in 1865, the first sketches of Spider-Man and videos of Carlos Santana in concert .

“These items are an expression of our collective history,” said Carla Hayden, the official librarian of Congress. “We want people to see themselves in our exhibit.”

The new exhibit is part of a campaign to make the Library of Congress more attractive to everyday tourists and school groups. David Rubenstein, the prominent local philanthropist who donated $10 million to the initiative, said the goal was to make the Library of Congress a regular part of tourist itineraries along with the monuments and various museums.

“You usually don’t go to the Library of Congress because you don’t know that the Library of Congress is more than just a library,” Rubinstein said.

Housed in the Thomas Jefferson Building, next door to the Supreme Court and across the street from the Capitol, the dimly lit exhibition hall bursts with images and antiquities. Slide shows play on the walls, and glass cases display vivid tapestries, ancient texts, photographs and historical curiosities like former President James Madison’s crystal flute and Lincoln’s pocketknife and wallet — including a Confederate $5 bill. The life story of Omar Ibn Said, an African man abducted into American slavery, is told through his own autobiography, written in Arabic.

David Mandel, the library’s director of exhibits, said the goal was to leave visitors feeling “surrounded and immersed in the library’s collections.”

The exhibit will run for about 18 months, through the end of 2025. Some of the more delicate items on display will rotate out at six-month intervals to protect them from exposure. The 127 items on display are all drawn from the Library of Congress’ own internal collections, which number more than 178 million pieces.

At times, the selections seem almost random, but curators have embedded small connections and juxtapositions throughout — something Mandel described as the “synergies between the stories.”

An illustrated 15th-century Hebrew text sits next to a colorful Ethiopian religious book written in Amharic. Formerly top-secret photographs of the original Trinity test nuclear explosion are positioned next to a handwritten report by a Japanese survivor of the Hiroshima bombing describing the ordeal and aftermath.

A section focusing on refugee experiences combines photos of Syrian refugees arriving in Michigan in 2015 with a 1949 “affidavit of identity” belonging to famed Jewish historian and philosopher Hannah Arendt, who at the time was a German refugee in America and classified as a stateless person.

A multiscreen video wall plays a shifting mix of old videos ranging from home movies of everyday 1950s families to footage of Charlie Chaplin and clips of the Rockettes performing. Ancient Sumerian Cuneiform writing tablets — possibly the earliest examples of written language — share space with clips of D.C. native Duke Ellington performing while a Black dance troupe performs an acrobatic Lindy Hop.

“The stories told by these items still inspire and amaze, decades or even centuries after they were created,” Hayden said.

Visitors to the new exhibit must secure timed-entry passes, which are available for free at loc.gov/visit .

Library of Congress launches 'Collective Memories' exhibit, showcasing pivotal moments in history

T he Library of Congress is launching "Collective Memories," an exhibit offering a glimpse at some of the most pivotal moments in American and world history.

The exhibit features an original copy of the Gettysburg Address – the same version historians believe Abraham Lincoln used to deliver his historic speech.

Other items on display include James Madison's crystal flute, recordings of contemporary Native poets, audio diaries and art documenting the COVID-19 pandemic, Sigmund Freud's papers on brain processes, Lewis and Clark's map of Western America and the oral histories of veterans.

They are some of the 100-plus artifacts chosen from the library's 178-million item collection.

Exhibit Director Cheryl Regan came out of retirement to bring the exhibit to life.

"At its baseline, it tells us who we are," Regan said. "And to know that Lincoln put pen to paper is pretty powerful."

The library hopes the exhibit helps visitors carve their own stories, too.

"We have so many things that help people get lessons from history and to feel connected," Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden said. "It's a bridge for human knowledge and how human knowledge was translated."

"The personal reactions and the wonder that these things can evoke is very individualistic," Regan said.

For those unable to visit in person, the Library has made a version of the exhibit accessible online .

The exhibit's items will be on rotation through December 2025.

READ MORE: Library of Congress launches 'Collective Memories' exhibit, showcasing pivotal moments in history

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Library of Congress

Timed-entry ticket reservations.

FREE TIMED-ENTRY TICKETS REQUIRED

Every Library of Congress visitor, regardless of age, must have a free timed-entry ticket to enter the historic Thomas Jefferson Building. Passes are available 30 days in advance.

RESERVING TICKETS

SAME-DAY TICKETS

Is the date you are seeking currently sold out? A limited number of same-day tickets are made available each open day at 9:00 a.m. through this website.

VISITOR HOURS

Monday: CLOSED Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED

Last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing.

HELPFUL INFORMATION AND LINKS

Plan Your Visit Exhibitions Event Calendar Live! At The Library Information for Researchers Information for Kids & Families

ACCESSIBILITY

Library of Congress buildings are fully accessible. Please contact [email protected] , or call (202) 707-6362 with any ADA related needs at least five business days in advance of your visit.

Thomas Jefferson Building 10 First Street, SE Washington, DC 20540

[email protected] | (202) 707-9779

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Library of congress launches 'collective memories' exhibit, showcasing pivotal moments in history.

The Library of Congress launches 'Collective Memories,' showcasing historical artifacts from its 178-million item collection.

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The Library of Congress is launching "Collective Memories," an exhibit offering a glimpse at some of the most pivotal moments in American and world history.