Library of Congress

The Library's mission is to support the Congress in fulfilling its constitutional duties and to further the progress of knowledge and creativity for the benefit of the American people.

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ratings
  • Phone

    (202) 707-6400

  • Website

    loc.gov

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    librarycongress

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  • Type

    Library

Address

101 Independence Ave SE (btwn 1st & 2nd St SE) Washington , D.C. 20540 United States

Wi-Fi Free

Comments / 165


Keywords:

books architecture tours capitol historic sites gutenberg bible scenic views library spacious concerts wifi exhibits knowledgeable staff tunnels prints fountains country well tourism arts
CNN

The library houses more than 36 million books and printed materials, as well as more than 121 million maps, photographs and other items. Free guided tours are offered several times each day. Read more

Dee D'Alessandro

What ever you do, make sure to see the Library of Congress in DC! Absolutely stunning building! Check out only one of 3 copies of the Gutenberg Bible , the only copy in north america.

Stacy

My family and I visited a couple days ago, gorgeous! The lady guarding the main reading room was incredibly rude to us when we tried to enter. We were happy to wait in line . Be nice!

Daycation DC

Beautiful architecture ! Free tours throughout the day but get there early especially on the weekends. Don't miss Jefferson's library ! Read more

Serhii Lutsko

The library is definitely number 1 place to visit in DC. It's gorgeous and has a lot of historical information

BaltimoreGal

It’s such a beautiful place, and full of much more than you think. Well worth spend a few hours, if not days. Definitely get a tour if you can.

Rachel

Incredible architecture ! Definitely worth checking out on a trip to DC!

Puck Peijnenburg

Use the underground tunnel between the Capitol and the congress library . Than you don't need to go to an extra security check and more lines .

HISTORY

Created in 1800 the library is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution & the largest library in the world. In 1815 Thomas Jefferson sold his entire personal collection of books to the library

Hannah Luddy

Informative tours and gorgeous artwork/architecture. Tip: researchers and students in the area can apply for cards to get access to the reading rooms for their research.

Armie

On the second floor, visitors can explore Thomas Jefferson's Library , featuring thousands of original volumes that provided the foundation for the Library of Congress & it's universal collections

Nathan Kellenicki

There's a free tour a few times a day, which lasts an hour and a half and is fascinating. If you only have time for either the Capitol tour or this one, no doubt - take this one. Far more informative.

Ellie Pines

That we maintain a collection of our written history, as a culture, is so mind-bogglingly cool that it takes a bit to fully appreciate. How can I suggest just one thing to check out?

Architect of the Capitol (AOC)

Immediately after it opened in 1897, the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building was widely considered to be the most beautiful, educational and interesting building in Washington. Read more

Tripsetc Travel Company

The Largest Library in the World not under one roof getting there is a bit cumbersome however if you have easy access a membership is well worth it. They have any book you might think of.

Krissa Swain Randolph

A must-see of early Republic neo-classical architecture and THE place to get your historical research - or research for any subject - finished.

Aaron Smith

Going to the Capitol ?! Take the underground tunnel ! Most people miss it and you can skip security because you've already been cleared!

Jesse

Worth going on the tour - seriously incredible library ! Truly amazing!

E

Jefferson library is a must see. Also look for the quotes on the walls, very inspirational

The Ritz-Carlton

When visiting on a weekday, make sure to go to the sixth-floor Madison Cafeteria for sweeping views of the National Mall without the crowds.

Rosetta Tyson

Its stunning architecture , knowledgeable staff , and wealth of resources make it an invaluable destination for researchers, historians, and book lovers alike.

Sandro Di Simplicio

A must see! Amazing architecture

✨#IamRomdelacrème✨

Love the majestic and elaborate architecture of the building. Also, admired The Court of Neptune Fountain by Roland Hinton Perry right outside the library .

C-SPAN

It would take you 24 years to see all the photos in the Library of Congress, at a photo per minute. Check out C-SPAN’s “Library of Congress” documentary . Clip from the documentary here on YouTube. Read more

Lenny Gallo

Definitely worth the trip if your a fan of books and beautiful architecture . They do have everything.

Morgan Sawicki

There are some great mini-exhibits in this building, which is largely used by researchers and ignored by tourists . Make sure to check out the 6th floor and basement .

Kimmie Nguyen

I just want to study the murals for days. Come on weekdays for fewer crowds! #nerdpalace

BROADS

The library of congress happens to be the largest library on planet and one of our favorite hiding spots!

Vincent Boucher

The Building is P H E N O M E N A L !!! The Jefferson collection and the Gutenberg Bible are a treat !

Michelin Travel & Lifestyle

The Library of Congress retains more than 145 million items filling the equivalent of some 745 miles of shelves! Free guided tours offered throughout the week. -- Green Guide Editor

Josh Lefebvre

Any trip to DC wouldn't be complete without a stop here. The inside of the main hall is one of the most spectacular sights in the district.

A

Gorgeous interior and exterior. Leave some time on our schedule to visit!

Jose Caballero

If you really want to get a great, in-depth tour , try to get Tom Hoban. He's great!!

C-SPAN

It would take 60,000 yrs to go through all the books in the Library of Congress, at 1 book per day. Check out C-SPAN’s “Library of Congess” documentary . Clip from the documentary here on YouTube. Read more

Joann Tyree

Make sure you go online b4 trip to receive permission to enter reading room for research and fill out application for a Library of Congress library card .

Lydia Soto Rodriguez

The building is a must see! There are wonderful gift shops and tour offered all day! Amazing building!

boonlalala

just can see the main room through the big glass unless you have a library card . fortunately the library card is free and it takes about 30 mins to have one

Jorge Herrera

The building is a marvel of North America. You will not find another place full of symbols and beauty to this magnitude elsewhere.

Nicodemus Boffin

Do not neglect the Library 's on-line resources: they have made a lot of their collections and resources available on the internet for public consumption.

Chris R (thechristophe)

Controversially I find the interior (outside the reading room) a bit comical . Great Dome though.

Janna H.

Catch a tour if you can. Really provides insights into the intricacies of the building's design.

FrameLink.us & MATcutter.com

You think you have a lot of images. Go to www.loc.gov/pictures . They have a "my pictures" file that is immense. Everything from Ansel Adams Photographs to Baseball Cards to Cartoon Prints .

della Curtis

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with more than 151.8 million items on approximately 838 miles of bookshelves

Dave Lepkowski

The staff is very friendly and informative

Alberto Carvalho

You must have an invitation to get inside de reading room. You can get in a government office nearby

Nicodemus Boffin

A reader's card is an important and encouraged entry into the library 's sanctum- and it's free!

Greg Gordon

Plan to spend time here. This place is gorgeous and full of wonderful things to see and experience

Philip Wang

one of the most beautiful buildings in the country (if not the world) and lesser known attractions in DC.

Danielle C.

Breathtaking! Not to be missed when you are in DC.

Aaron Shackelford

Loved it. 150 million articles of knowledge at your discretion.

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One of the better, little-known D.C. great photo op spots. - Ellie Pines

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When leaving Madison ... Pedestrians to the LEFT! When leaving Jefferson/Adams ... Pedestrians to the RIGHT! Don't get hit by moving equipment! - Tim Shea

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A labyrinth and maze of tunnels to Madison where the comics are archived - But worth the 10 min walk! - Julian Si

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100% recommend, free tours with a very well informed personel of the library, all my questions were answered :) - Pavel Karfik

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Amazing library! With a little book shop. Really nice layout. If I lived in DC I would spend a lot of time here. - Esty Stein

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Check out Hamlet. Modern version, but very good. - Sherrie Bakshi

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Totally love it! The museum is stunning, everything is organized in a fun way. A great place to learn and have fun. - Steven Vega

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One of DCs hidden gems. A great place to sit and relax in the middle of the busy mall - P J

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This is an awesome place to check out the state of US history and politics, esp if you have a short window to explore. - Monica