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Library of Congress, Washington DC

101 Independence Avenue Southeast, Washington, District of Columbia

Description

The Library of Congress officially serves the United States Congress and is the de facto national library of the United States. It is one of the largest libraries in the world with over 170mn items housed in three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington DC: the Thomas Jefferson Building (1897), the John Admas Building and the James Madison Memorial Building (home of the U.S. Copyright Office) Fires set back the collection substantially in 1812 (burnt by the British) and in 1851. The library is open to the public for visit and research, although only high-ranking government officials and library employees may check out (i.e., remove from the premises) books and materials

Access & Transport

The building open to visitors is the Thomas Jefferson Building at 10 First Street SE. The entrance is underneath the grand staircase on First Street SE between Independence Ave and East Capitol Street. The Capitol South metro station (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) is 400m to the south and there are bus stops on Independence Ave SE. Accessibility info: https://www.loc.gov/accessibility/accessibility-for-visitors/

Instructions & Recommendations

Free timed-entry passes are required. Book you slot here (max 20 pers.): https://loc.usedirect.com/LOC/

Meta review

Possibly the most famous library in the world and considered one of the cultural must-see in Washington DC. The highlights for visitors are the building architecture and the view at the Reading Room but they also enjoy the decorative art such as mosaics and paintings and some of the exhibits. Recurring comments about the absence of guided tours but there are docents around that do a good job of providing information / answers to queries.

Environmental & Social

This is an active research library so no incremental carbon footprint from visitors. Scores high in social aspect for its cultural and conservation aspects.

Conclusion

The US Library of Congress is, in our opinion, a highly recommended visit for anybody who cherishes culture and knowledge - a physical manifestation of sort. The building architecture and decoration make the place even more special and, dare we say, even a little spiritual.

Key positive

Stunning building and Reading room

A unique type of 'museum'

Key negative

No guided tours (at the time of this review)

Suitability

Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in August 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on Thanksgiving, 25 Dec, 01 Jan. Last admission is 30mins before closing

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Monday -

Tuesday10:00 - 17:00

Wednesday10:00 - 17:00

Thursday10:00 - 20:00

Friday10:00 - 17:00

Saturday10:00 - 17:00

Sunday -

Pricing
Free

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