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Directions Within the Convention Center

Overview

The convention center has five floors. From bottom to top:

  • The Lower Level runs the entire length of the convention center.
  • The Concourse Level or C Level runs along the 9th street side of the building, and allows attendees to travel between the Lower Level and both buildings at street level.
  • Floor 1 is at streel level. L Street divides the convention center into two buildings at this level. The North Building is closest to the metro. The South Building is next to Allen Y Lew Place (formerly Mt. Vernon Place).
  • Floor 2 is connected by a Bridge over L Street.
  • Floor 3 is only in the South Building.

Entrances and Exits

Regardless of entry location, all attendees will walk through magnetometers, and attendees with a bag will go through a secondary bag screening. Security will direct you after you enter.

Metro Entrance – North Building

The Metro Entrance to the North Building is located near the corner of M Street and 7th Street and is closest to the Metro station. From the Metro station, the convention center entrance doors are directly across from the Metro escalators. Note that while you may enter the convention center at this entrance, you cannot exit the convention center from this entrance. It is one-way only.

The entrance leads to a short staircase down to Floor 1. An elevator is available to the right after entering.

L Street Exit – North Building

An exit to L Street is located in the North Building. This is the closest exit to the Metro. When coming from the South Building, turn left after you exit the escalator. Walk between the escalator and the outer wall. The exit will be on your right after passing the escalator.

L Street Entrance and Exit – South Building

The South Building entrance and exit are located on L Street. This is available from the Metro by walking south on 7th Street, crossing L Street and turning right onto L Street. The entrance will be on your left.

After entering, proceed straight forward through security. You will be located on Floor 1. The Grand Lobby will be straight ahead on the other side of the building.

Main Entrance and Exit – South Building

The main entrance and exit to the South Building are located on Allen Y. Lew Place (formerly Mt. Vernon Place), between 7th and 9th Streets. If you would like to take the stairs, go forward up the short staircase after entering to go through security. If you prefer to use a ramp, go to the right after entering and proceed up the ramp. Turn left before you reach the stairs and walk across the hallway to go through security. You will be in the Grand Lobby on Floor 1.

Orientation

These directions assume you are facing towards the South Building Entrance and Exit (L Street side). They assume you entered the building through the Main Entrance and Exit (Allen Y. Lew Place side) and are standing in the Grand Lobby on Floor 1. You are facing towards the South Entrance with your back towards the Main Entrance. The orientation is the same for all directions, unless otherwise stated.

If there are lines, volunteers will be available to direct you to the correct path.

Stairs & Escalators South Building

Floor 1 of the South Building has four sets of escalators. One set goes down to the Concourse level and the other three go up to Floor 2.

Escalators and Stairs down to Concourse Level and Halls A & B

From the Main Entrance, turn left and walk to the left side of the lobby. Take the escalators or stairs in front of you down to the Concourse Level.

Main Escalators and Stairs to Floor 2 Food Court and Exhibit Hall

The main escalators and stairs to Floor 2 are located straight ahead, near the center of the building. Walk past the conference center information desk on the right and the festival information booth in the center of the lobby to reach the stairs. A landing is located between Floors 1 and 2. Proceed straight forward across the landing and up the escalators or stairs to reach Floor 2.

Additional Escalators to Floor 2

Additional escalators to Floor 2 are located to the right and left of the center of the Grand Lobby. A set of stairs to Floor 2 is to the right.

Stairs & Escalators North Building

Floor 1 North Building escalator directions assume you enter from the Metro Entrance. After passing through security, walk to the end of the hallway and take a right. Note that if you continue straight there are stairs down to the L Street Exit.

Walk straight, and you will pass exit doors on the left. The escalators down to the Concourse level and up to Floor 2 will be just ahead. The escalators up require you pass them and turn completely around to get on. They end on the 2nd floor next to the L Street Bridge, in the North building. The escalators down to the Concourse are straight ahead past the up escalators.

Escalators on Floors 2 and 3 are located in the same location as the left and right escalators on Floor 1, towards the center of the South Building. These are near the overlook of the Grand Lobby on each floor.

Floor 2 and 3 stairs are located on both the right and left against the exterior wall of the building.

Note: Elevators are available if needed but are difficult to locate. If you need an elevator, please ask staff for directions.

Programming Spaces

Hall AB - Lower Level, Hall AB

Hall AB is located on the Lower Level. It extends the length of the South and North Buildings. From the Main Entrance, walk to the left side of the lobby. Take the escalators in front of you down to the Concourse Level. Take a right at the bottom of the escalator and proceed forward. The escalators down to Hall AB will be on your right. At the bottom of the escalator proceed forward to visit the Book Signing Lines. Line #1 will be closest to the entrance of Hall AB, and Line #21 will be the furthest away from the entrance of Hall AB. To visit the Book Sales Area, take a right at the bottom of the escalator and proceed forward.

Hall AB Entrance and Exit

Escalators are one way only. The entrance escalators lead to Hall A. The escalators to exit are on the same wall as the entrance escalators near the food court in Hall B.

East Salon (ABC) Stage - Floor 1, South Building East Salon (ABC)

The East Salon (ABC) Stage is located halfway between the Main Entrance and the South Entrance on the right side. From the Main Entrance, walk forward past the escalators with the festival information booth on your left. The East Salon is on your right.

West Salon (GHI) Stage  - Floor 1, South Building, West Salon (GHI)

The West Salon (GHI) Stage is located halfway between the Main Entrance and the South Entrance on the left side. From the Main Entrance, walk forward past the escalators with the festival information booth on your right. The West Salon is on your left.

Room 145 - Floor 1, North Building, Room 145

Room 145 is located in the North Building. From the Main Entrance, walk forward and go up the escalators just past the information desk to Floor 2. Walk across the L Street Bridge between buildings. As you cross the bridge, move left and go down the escalator on the left, just before you get to Hall D. At the bottom, turn towards the center of the building and walk past the escalator until you reach the L Street North Lobby. The exit will be on your right. From the center of the Lobby, take a left and walk down the hallway. You will enter a large central space surrounded by meeting rooms. The entrance to Room 145 will be on your right side after entering.

Room 146 - Floor 1, North Building, Room 146

Room 146 is located in the North Building. From the Main Entrance, walk forward and go up the escalators just past the information desk to Floor 2. Walk across the L Street Bridge between buildings. As you cross the bridge, move left and go down the escalator on the left, just before you get to Hall D. At the bottom, turn towards the center of the building and walk past the escalator until you reach the L Street North Lobby. The exit will be on your right. From the center of the Lobby, take a left and walk down the hallway. You will enter a large central space surrounded by meeting rooms. The entrance to Room 146 will be on your left side after entering.

Workshop Space - Floor 1, North Building, Room 151

The Workshop Space is located in the North Building. From the Main Entrance, walk forward and go up the escalators just past the information desk to Floor 2. Walk across the L Street Bridge between buildings. As you cross the bridge, move left and go down the escalator on the left, just before you get to Hall D. At the bottom, turn towards the center of the building and walk past the escalator until you reach the L Street North Lobby. The exit will be on your right. From the center of the Lobby, take a left and walk down the hallway. You will enter a large central space surrounded by meeting rooms. Continue to the end of that space and turn left. The entrance to the Workshop Space will be on your right side after entering.

Library Lounge - Floor 1, Room 152

The Library Lounge is located in the North Building. From the Main Entrance, walk forward and go up the escalators just past the information desk to Floor 2. Walk across the L Street Bridge between buildings. As you cross the bridge, move left and go down the escalator on the left, just before you get to Hall D. At the bottom, turn towards the center of the building and walk past the escalator until you reach the L Street North Lobby. The exit will be on your right. From the center of the Lobby, take a left and walk down the hallway. You will enter a large central space surrounded by meeting rooms. Continue to the end of that space. The entrance to the Library Lounge will be in front of you.

Hall D - Floor 2

Hall D is located on Floor 2, opposite the overlook to the Grand Lobby. It extends above the South Entrance into a much larger space than is available on Floor 3. From the Main Entrance, walk forward and go up the escalators just past the information booth to Floor 2. Walk across the L Street Bridge between buildings and continue straight into the Hall.

Hall D includes the Library of Congress Pavilion, family-friendly activities by the Library of Congress and Sponsors, Roadmap to Reading, STEM District and Story District. One center aisle runs from the entrances to the Library of Congress Pavilion. Then two aisles run the rest of the room.

  • The Library of Congress Pavilion is at the front of the entrance to the Hall, with the central aisle running to it.
  • The Story District and other Library of Congress family-friendly activities are on the left of the left aisle after the Library Pavilion.
  • The STEM district and other Library of Congress family-friendly activities are on the right of the right aisle after the Library Pavilion.
  • The Information Station is after the Library of Congress Pavilion.
  • Sponsors and Exhibits are on the left of the left aisle, right of the right aisle after the Information Station.
  • Food and Beverages are on the right of the center aisle past the Sponsors and Exhibits, along the Book sales perimeter.
  • The Roadmap to Reading is located in a U shape at the back of the Hall.

Room 202 Stage  - Floor 2, South Building, Room 202

From the Main Entrance, walk to the escalators on the right and go up the to Floor 2. Turn left. The entrance to Room 202 will be in front of you.

Main Stage - Floor 3, South Building, Ballroom BC

From the Main Entrance, walk to the escalators on right and go up two levels to Floor 3. You will take two separate escalators with a landing in between to reach Floor 3.

When you have reached Floor 3 on the escalator, take a left and go around the end of the escalator. You will need to walk around the balcony that will take you around a large opening in the floor. Walk away from the escalator until the end of the hallway and turn left so you are walking towards the center of the building. Continue to follow the hallway until the end and take another left and continue to walk ahead. The entrance to the Main Stage will be located on the right. Use the first set of doors to enter or follow directions from volunteers to the end of the line. There will be volunteers stationed from the top of the escalator to the Main Stage entrance to help with directions and line management.

Ballroom A - Floor 3, South Building, Ballroom A

From the Main Entrance, walk to the escalators on right and go up two levels to Floor 3. You will take two separate escalators with a landing in between to reach Floor 3.

When approaching Ballroom A from the escalator, go around the end of the escalator so you are walking towards the center of the building. The entrance to Ballroom A will be located on the right. Use the first set of doors to enter or follow directions from volunteers to the end of the line.

Food

Food and beverage locations can be found in Hall AB on the Lower Level, Concourse Level, Floor 1 South Building, Floor 1 North Building, inside Hall D on Floor 2, and at the entrance to Hall D on Floor 2.

Food stands are available in Hall AB on the Lower Level. To get to the Lower Level food stands from the main entrance, walk to the left side of the lobby. Take the escalators in front of you down to the Concourse Level. Take a right at the bottom of the escalator and proceed forward. The escalators down to Hall AB will be on your right. At the bottom of the escalator proceed forward. The food stands will be on your left.

Food carts are available in Hall AB on the Lower Level. To get to the Lower Level food carts from the main entrance, walk to the left side of the lobby. Take the escalators in front of you down to the Concourse Level. Take a right at the bottom of the escalator and proceed forward. The escalators down to Hall AB will be on your right. At the bottom of the escalator, take a right and proceed forward. The food carts will be in front of you.

A grab and go food area is available on the Concourse Level. To get to the Concourse Level food area from the main entrance, walk to the left side of the lobby. Take the escalators in front of you down to the Concourse Level. Take a right and proceed forward. The grab and go food area will be on your left.

A coffee shop is available in the Grand Lobby on Floor 1 in the South Building. To get to the coffee shop from the main entrance, walk to the left side of the lobby. The coffee shop is in the front corner of the lobby.

Starbucks is available under the Grand Lobby staircase on Floor 1 in the South Building. To get to the Starbucks from the main entrance, walk straight ahead towards the Grand Lobby staircase, and walk past it on the right. The Starbucks entrance will be on the left.

Another coffee shop is available in the L Street North Lobby on Floor 1 in the North Building. To get to the coffee shop from the main entrance walk forward and go up the escalators just past the information booth to Floor 2. You will take two separate escalators with a landing in between to reach Floor 2. As you cross the bridge, move left and go down the escalator on the left, just before you get to Hall D. At the bottom, turn towards the center of the building and walk past the escalator until you reach the L Street North Lobby. The coffee shop will be on your right.

A food court is available on the L Street Bridge on Floor 2. To get to the food court from the main entrance, walk forward and go up the escalators just past the information booth to Floor 2. You will take two separate escalators with a landing in between to reach Floor 2. Walk across the bridge between buildings. The food court will be on your right at the end of the ridge, before you enter the Hall D.

Food carts are available in Hall D. To get to the Floor 2 food carts from the main entrance, walk forward and go up the escalators just past the information booth to Floor 2. You will take two separate escalators with a landing in between to reach Floor 2. Walk across the bridge between buildings. Enter Hall D, and walk past the Library of Congress Pavilion, Information Station and Sponsor booths. The food cards will be in front of you.

Restrooms

Lower Level restrooms are located:

  • Immediately after entering Hall A, the restrooms will be on your left.
  • After entering Hall A, turn to the right and proceed forward. Restrooms will be on your right.

Floor 1 South Building restrooms are located:

  • Walk to the left side of the Grand Lobby. There will be a coffee shop on the left. The restrooms are behind the coffee shop on your left

Floor 1 North Building restrooms are located:

  • From the L Street North Lobby, with your back to the exit doors, the restroom will straight ahead, past the coffee shop. The men’s restroom will be on your right and the women’s restroom will be on your left.

Floor 2 restrooms are located:

  • Immediately after entering Hall D, take a left. The restrooms will be located on your left.
  • At the far end of Hall D, the restrooms will be located to the left of the Roadmap to Reading area.
  • When standing at the exit of Room 202, the restrooms will be directly to the right of the room.

Floor 3 restrooms are located:

  • When in the hallway, facing the entrance of the Main Stage or Ballroom A, take a right. Walk to the end of the hallway and take a left. The restrooms will be on your left side.
  • When in the hallway, facing the entrance of the Main Stage or Ballroom A, take a left. Walk to the end of the hallway and take a right. The restrooms will be on your right side.
  • When inside the Main Stage, exit through the first set of doors closest to the front of the room. Turn right. Walk the end of the hallway and take a right. The restrooms will be on your right side.

Information

Information stations are located on:

  • Lower Level in the center of Hall A,
  • Floor 1 south building in the center of the Grand Lobby,
  • Floor 1 north building near the L Street North Lobby, and
  • Floor 2 in the center of Hall D, just behind the Library of Congress Pavilion.

Accessibility Support

Accessibility support is available at the information booth on Floor 1 in the center of the Grand Lobby.

Medical Assistance

Medical Assistance is available on Floor 2 in Hall D and Floor 3 in Room 303:

  • When entering Hall D on Floor 2, immediately take a right. Medical Assistance will be in the front right corner of the room.
  • From the Main Entrance, walk to the escalators on right and go up two levels to Floor 3. Turn right, immediately turn right again, and proceed down the hallway. Medical assistance will be in the third room on the right, just before you reach the end of the hallway.
    If exiting the Main Stage or Ballroom A, take a left. Walk until the end of the hallway and take another left. Medical Assistance will be in the third room on your right.

Mother’s Room

  • A Mother’s Room is available on Floor 3 in Room 302. From the Main Entrance, walk to the escalators on right and go up two levels to Floor 3. Turn right, immediately turn right again, and proceed down the hallway. The Mother’s Room will be in the second room on your right.
    If exiting the Main Stage or Ballroom A, take a left. Walk until the end of the hallway and take another left. The Mother’s Room will be in the second room on your right.

Lost & Found

Lost and Found is located in room 208B. From the Main Entrance, walk forward and go up the escalators just past the information booth to Floor 2. Turn left and go around the escalator so you are facing the opposite direction. As you walk forward with the opening to the Floor 1 lobby on your left, the lost and found will be in a room on your right.

If you have any suggestions on how we can improve these directions, please email ada@loc.gov.