The Library of Congress Experience

Personalize Your Library of Congress Experience

With the Library of Congress Experience comes new access to the largest collection of knowledge the world over. For the first time ever, you can explore rare historical items up close through interactive technology. Original volumes from Thomas Jeffersons Library, the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, even the 1507 Waldseemüller map (the first to name America) -- they are all at your fingertips.

Exploring the Early Americas

Ever wonder what our continent was like before Columbus set sail? Now at the Library of Congress you can delve into the early history and cultures of the Americas. "Exploring the Early Americas," a new exhibition part of the Library of Congress Experience, features rare artifacts like the 1507 Waldseemüller map and 1516 Carta Marina. Paired together in an interactive display, the maps enable you to explore the significance of depicting the world newly enlarged by the presence of the Western Hemisphere. Experience the exhibition both in person and online.

Participate in the Library of Congress Experience

The Library of Congress Experience has made the world's largest collection of knowledge come to life like never before. Just as the new Experience highlights the creative contributions of our nation's early cultures and great minds, we invite you to inspire others by sharing YOUR personal creativity -- photos, poems, videos, songs -- anything you can send via an electronic file. You too can make an impression on history and join the likes of Thomas Jefferson and other American legends. Selected entries will be added to the Library's permanent collection and featured on its Web site.

Thomas Jefferson's Library

Now you can immerse yourself in the mindset of one of our nation's greatest thinkers! Opening last month as part of the new Library of Congress Experience, the recreated Thomas Jefferson Library represents the very collection upon which the Library of Congress was founded. Using interactive technology, virtually select and explore books from his original collection. With precisely 6,487 volumes to examine (some 2000 of which are original versions), there's no shortage of inspiration to be found. Tour the exhibition both in-person and online.

The Library of Congress Bible Collection

New exhibitions that are part of the Library of Congress Experience provide access to some of the world’s rarest treasures. The Bible Collection in particular offers a unique glimpse into the history of the written word. Take an up-close look at the Gutenberg Bible and Giant Bible of Mainz, and virtually explore their rich details. Together these Bibles signify a momentous moment in history: The transition from handwritten to printed books. The bibles also document the history of Western ideas, religion, art and more. Check out the Bible Collection in person and online.

Experience Puts Knowledge at Your Fingertips

New exhibitions and interactive technologies now make the Library of Congress and its collections more dynamic and accessible than ever. Now you can virtually handle historical artifacts like the Gutenberg Bible and original volumes from Thomas Jefferson’s library, listen to Library experts and play learning games –- it’s all at your fingertips. Check out the new exhibitions online or visit the Library in person for a fully immersive experience.

New Additions to "Inspiration Across the Nation"

New contributions have been added to the special user-created section of the Library of Congress Experience site, "Inspiration Across the Nation." We invite you to inspire others by sharing YOUR personal creativity -- photos, poems, videos, songs -- anything you can send via an electronic file.

New myLOC.gov Site Launched

A new interactive Web site will allow you to personalize your experience by bookmarking areas of interest online and encourage you to continue your exploration of the Library’s collections by connecting you with digital content from your in-person visit.

Students, Media Get a Sneak Peak at the New Library of Congress Experience

The Library of Congress hosted a press conference Wednesday to announce the opening of a new, immersive Library of Congress Experience in the Thomas Jefferson Building. Members of the press and students from Stuart-Hobson Middle School and Herndon Middle School were offered a sneak peak at the Library’s new interactive exhibits, which offer visitors unique historical and cultural treasures brought to life through cutting-edge interactive technology and a companion Web site, myLOC.gov.

The Library of Congress Experience will be unveiled to the public in a grand opening celebration this Saturday, April 12. Festivities begin at 11 a.m., and everyone is welcome to attend.

Participate in the Library of Congress Experience

On April 12, the Library of Congress Experience will make the world's largest collection of knowledge come to life like never before. Just as the new Experience highlights the creative contributions of our nation's early cultures and great minds, we invite you to inspire others by sharing YOUR personal creativity -- photos, poems, videos, songs --anything you can send via an electronic file. You too can make an impression on history and join the likes of Thomas Jefferson and other American legends. Selected entries will be added to the Library's permanent collection and featured on its Web site. "Explore. Discover. Be inspired."

Celebrate a New Library of Congress Experience April 12

With a day of public celebration on Sat., April 12, the Library of Congress – the largest library in the world and the oldest U.S. federal cultural institution – debuts an immersive new "Library of Congress Experience," offering visitors unique historical and cultural treasures brought to life through cutting-edge interactive technology and a companion Web site.

Updates: Library of Congress Experience

Subscribe to updates and news as the Library plans to launch a new experience for visitors and guests to its remarkable Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington.