January 21, 2019 Spring Is Coming: Symposiums and Celebrations Highlight the Library’s Event Calendar

This spring, the Library of Congress will bring you a host of events on a variety of topics. Concerts, lectures, film screenings, symposiums and special events all fill the public events calendar. Events will take place in the Thomas Jefferson Building (10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. 20540) or the James Madison Memorial Building (101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. 20540).  Please note that events are subject to change.

February

Lectures/Symposiums/Talks

Thursday, Feb. 21; Noon
Whittall Pavilion, ground floor, Jefferson Building
Jon Kay, Botkin Lecture Series
Elders who practice folk and traditional arts are often celebrated for their work supporting community life and the continuation of important cultural traditions, but rarely do we explore how these practices support elders as they age. Folklorist Jon Kay explores the ways that traditional arts help older adults find resilience in later life. This presentation centers on how everyday expressive practices help elders combat feelings of loneliness, helplessness and boredom that beset so many older adults in the United States. Contact: (202)707-1744.

Curator Tours/Gallery Talks 

Tuesday, Feb. 12; 11 a.m.
Gershwin Gallery, ground floor, Thomas Jefferson Building
“Rhapsody in Blue” - On the 95^th anniversary of its first performance, Music Division specialist Janet McKinney will discuss the story behind “Rhapsody in Blue.” The presentation will include a special viewing of Rhapsody’s original orchestration and a performance of selections from the song. Contact: (202) 707-0245.

Wednesday, Feb. 27; Noon
Graphic Arts Gallery, ground floor, Thomas Jefferson Building
Curator’s Tour: “Art in Action”- Exhibition curators and Prints and Photographs specialists Katherine Blood and Martha Kennedy will provide an overview of the new exhibition “Art in Action: Herblock and Fellow Artists Respond to Their Times.” Contact: (202) 707-0245.

Concerts/Performances/Films

The 2018-2019 season features the extraordinary music and legendary performers audiences have come to expect from theLibrary. A full listing of concerts and performances is available at loc.gov/concerts/seasonataglance.html.For additional information contact the Concerts Office at (202) 707-5503 or concerts@loc.gov.  

Thursday, Feb. 7; 7 p.m.
Pickford Theater, Third Floor, Madison Building
Film:The Film Music of Erich Korngold:“The Sea Hawk” (NR, 127 minutes).Korngold was nominated for an Academy Award for his rousing score to this film. Featuring a swashbuckling Errol Flynn as privateer Geoffrey Thorpe, this film is one of the great pirate romances of the time. Tickets are required. Visit eventbrite.com/e/the-film-music-of-erich-korngold-film-screenings-registration-48817506476. Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Saturday, Feb. 9; 11 a.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, ground floor, Jefferson Building
#DECLASSIFIED:“Acquired Tastes: A Look at the Music Division’s Recent Manuscript Acquisitions.” Take a close look at first and second thoughts of composers as exhibited in recently acquired music manuscripts at the Library of Congress. The audiencewill be introduced to what these documents revealabout the composers and their music, and hear/look at a few alternative versions of familiar pieces, including:
LISZT: “Totentanz, Elegy” no. 1, “Consolation” no. 5 and “Liebesträume” no. 2
BRAHMS: “Intermezzi” from op. 119
BEETHOVEN: “Hammerklavier” sketches
HAYDN: Capriccio in G major
Tickets are required. Visit eventbrite.com/e/the-film-music-of-erich-korngold-film-screenings-registration-48817506476. Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Thursday, Feb. 14; 7 p.m.
Pickford Theater, Madison Building
Film: The Film Music of Erich Korngold:“Kings Row” (NR, 127 minutes).Korngold’s rich score adds to the power of this dark and cynical film about turn-of-the-century America, which includes Ronald Reagan in what many consider to be his best onscreen role. Tickets are required. Visit eventbrite.com/e/the-film-music-of-erich-korngold-film-screenings-registration-48817506476. Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Tuesday, Feb. 19; 8 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
Concert: Renaud Capuçon andGuillaume Bellom. A sought-after soloist for major orchestra engagements around the globe, Renaud Capuçonis a violinist of “panache, sensitivity and sizzling virtuosity” (Chicago Tribune). He’s also a passionate chamber musician who frequently partners with distinguished colleagues like Martha Argerich, Yuri Bashmet and Hélène Grimaud, and creates intriguing projects like “A Violin in Versailles,”a summer mini-residency at the palace. His own violin is the 1737 “Panette” Guarneri del Gesù formerly owned by Isaac Stern. You’ll hear it in this all-French recital, alongside a fellow traveler: the Library’s Goldberg Baron Vitta Guarneri, just a few years older.Visit eventbrite.com/e/renaud-capucon-violin-guillaume-bellom-piano-concert-tickets-48747353647.  Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Saturday, Feb. 23; 11 a.m.
Pickford Theater, Madison Building
#DECLASSIFIED: In Search of Korngold. Considered one of the most influential film composers for early Hollywood soundfilm, Erich Korngold is arguably most remembered for his swashbuckling scores for “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938) and “The Sea Hawk” (1940). Yet his lyrical melodies, rich textures, virtuosic orchestration, and pronounced theatricality remain constant threads in all of his film scores—threads that continue to inspire composers in the present era, from John Williams to the late James Horner. Tickets are required. eventbrite.com/e/declassified-in-search-of-korngold-registration-48810552677.  Contact: (202) 707-5503.

 Saturday, Feb. 23; Noon
Pickford Theater, Madison Building
Double Feature Film: The Film Music of Erich Korngold:“Captain Blood” (NR, 127 minutes) and “The Goonies” (PG, 114 minutes). Fans of pirate films know of the connections between these two films, released half a century apart, so it is only natural to present them as a double bill. Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland are featured in “Captain Blood”, the film that made them household names, in a story that helped to solidify the swashbuckling genre. The now-classic adventure “The Goonies,” while not scored by Korngold, benefited from the imaginative music of Dave Grusin.Tickets are required. Visit eventbrite.com/e/the-film-music-of-erich-korngold-film-screenings-registration-48817506476. Contact: (202) 707-5503

Thursday, Feb. 28; 7 p.m.
Pickford Theater, Madison Building
Film: The Film Music of Erich Korngold:“The Sea Wolf” (NR, 100 minutes). Our nautical theme continues with The Sea Wolf, one of many film adaptations of Jack London’s novel. Seal your fate with that of the “Ghost” and its mutinous crew as they set sail under a cruel captain. Tickets are required. Visit eventbrite.com/e/the-film-music-of-erich-korngold-film-screenings-registration-48817506476. Contact: (202) 707-5503.

March

 Lectures/Symposiums/Talks  

 Thursday, Mar. 14; Noon
LJ 220, Second Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building
“Conversations with African Poets and Writers: Makena Onjerika.” A reading and interview about the writers country of origin,as well as a question and answer session with the audience. Kenyan writer Onjerika is the winner of the 2018 Caine Prize for African Writing. Contact: (202) 707-1982.

Saturday, Mar. 23; 2 - 3 p.m.
Whittall Pavilion, Thomas Jefferson Building
“Collecting Red Sox History.” Red Sox curator Sarah Coffin and Jeff Boujoukos—a noted collector of bats used by Red Sox players—will discuss Red Sox history through a selection of Boujouko’s bats. Coffin and Boujoukos will also discuss the collecting policies of the Red Sox and related sports teams, and the sports memorabilia market.  Tickets will be available beginning on Feb. 1, 2019 at https://lc-red-sox.eventbrite.com but are not required for admission. Contact: (202) 707-0245.

Concerts/Performances/Films

A full listing of concerts and performances is available at loc.gov/concerts/seasonataglance.html.For additional information contact the Concerts Office at (202) 707-5503 or concerts@loc.gov.   

Saturday, Mar. 2; 11 a.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
#DECLASSIFIED: “Rebecca Clarke: The Viola Sonata at 100” 2019 will mark the 100th anniversary of the composition of Rebecca Clarke’s Viola Sonata, the manuscript of which is held at the Library of Congress. Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge awarded it a Berkshire Prize honorable mention, and it is one of three works by Clarke associated with Coolidge. We will have the opportunity to learn more about the work, one of the 20th-century’s important viola sonatas, and Clarke’s relationship with Coolidge, in addition to hearing the piece in performance.Visit loc.gov/concerts/declassified-rebecca-clarke.html.  Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Friday, Mar. 8; 8 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
Concert:Paul Lewis, one of the world’s great interpreters of Beethoven and Schubert, will perform a favorite Haydn sonata and three autumnal gems by Brahms. Beethoven’s monumental “Diabelli Variations” were an overachiever’s response to Anton Diabelli’s crowd-sourcing of variations from some 51 composers, who all contributed at least one variation, including Czerny, Moscheles, Franz Schubert and the young Franz Liszt. Stay after the performance to hear a conversation with the eminent pianist.  Visit loc.gov/concerts/paul-lewis.html. Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Saturday, Mar. 9; 2 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
Concert: - Imaginative young French harpsichordist Jean Rondeau is “an alchemist eager for experimentation” (Nelida Nassar), already a star in the early music universe and in demand for orchestra and chamber music collaborations. Rondeau’s concerts convey “a sense of absolute connection and improvisatory ease” (Gramophone). He is especially noted for memorable Bach performances, and has chosen for this matinée recital repertoire than includes transcriptions of several instrumental works, including one very seldom performed on the harpsichord: Brahms’ setting of the Chaconne in D minor.Visit loc.gov/concerts/jean-rondeau.html. Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Friday, Mar. 15; 8 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
Concert: Ensemble Signal charts a fresh path at the Library in a program a century in the making. Each work on the program is its own highlight: a brand new commission for mixed ensemble by Luca Francesconi, a tribute to Oliver Knussen who passed away unexpectedly this year, and a performance with acclaimed singer Rachel Calloway of “Pierrot lunaire,”Arnold Schoenberg’s pathbreaking work held in manuscript at the Library. Visitloc.gov/concerts/ensemble-signal-rachel-calloway.html. Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Thursday, Mar. 21; Noon – 1 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building.
In Celebration of International Francophone Culture with support from the Embassy of Canada. Presented as part of the Homegrown Music of America Concert Series.

Vishten-French Canadian music from Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands. Homegrown Music of America Concert Series - Vishten is a powerful trio of Acadian singers and multi-instruments who perform Canadian music with French and Celtic roots and rock energy. Acadians are the descendants of French settlers of Canada’s Atlantic provinces. Prince Edward Island is home to a small but thriving a Francophone Acadian community with a rich tradition of song and instrumental music. Nearby, the archipelago of the Magdalen Islands (les Îles de la Madeleine) is recognized for its distinctive French dialect, vibrant folksong tradition, and unique fiddling style. All three members of Vishtèn were raised in homes in which traditional music, percussive dance and kitchen parties were part of everyday life. From their traditional roots, these three musicians have crafted a unique brand of neo-traditional music that combines extensive archival research, traditional French Acadian songs, virtuosic instrumentals, and original compositions. Contact: (202) 707-1743.

Friday, Mar. 22; 8 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
Concert: For more than 70years, the venerable Borodin Quartet has been celebrated for its "uncommonly rich, even tone and consoling warmth. For sheer musical presence, it has few equals," writes The Sunday Telegraph. Universally recognized for unmistakable authority in their performances of Russian music, these artists have a profound connection to the music of Dmitri Shostakovich, born from a decades-long relationship with the composer. The Borodin’s cycles of the complete Shostakovich quartets, widely regarded as definitive interpretations, have been performed in major venues throughout the world.Visitloc.gov/concerts/borodin-quartet.html. Contact: (202) 707-5503.

 Saturday, Mar. 23; 8 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
Concert: Aaron Diehl,Library of Congress Jazz Scholar 2018-19. An erudite and elegant stylist, pianist and composer Aaron Diehl takes up the enviable task of the Library’s jazz scholars: to delve deeply into our rich archives and examine a few of our treasures. His Blues and the Spanish Tinge recital tracks the essential ingredients in the creation of jazz. You can discover just a few of them in the manuscripts we’ll have on display from our collections, from Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson, George Gershwin, and newly arrived material by Fats Waller. Presented in cooperation with the Reva & David Logan Foundation. Visit loc.gov/concerts/aaron-diehl.html. Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Wednesday, Mar. 27; Noon
Whittall Pavilion, Jefferson Building.
Presented as part of the Homegrown Music of America Concert Series.
Alash Ensemble- Tuvan traditional music and throat-singing trio. Alash Ensemble is a trio of master throat singers (xöömeizhi) from Tuva, a tiny republic in the heart of Central Asia. The ancient art of throat singing (xöömei) developed among the nomadic herdsmen of this region. Alash remains grounded in this tradition, while expanding its musical vocabulary with new ideas from the West. Contact: (202) 707-1743. 

April

Lectures/Symposiums/Talks

 Friday, Apr. 5; Noon
Whittall Pavilion, Jefferson Building
Panel: “Copyrighting a Cartridge: An Inside Look at Copyright and Video Games.” - A conversation about the copyright process for video games and music. Presented in cooperation with the U.S.Copyright Office.This event is a part of the Augmented Realities: A Video Game Music Mini-FestFrom RetroBits to VR Hits series. Visit eventbrite.com/e/copyrighting-a-cartridge-an-inside-look-at-copyright-and-video-games-panel-registration-48813663983.  Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Saturday, Apr. 6; 11 a.m.
Whittall Pavilion, Jefferson Building
#Declassified: “Processing and Preserving Video Games.”Amanda May and David Gibson will discuss the steps that the Library takes to collect, catalog and preserve video game content, focusing on the employment of Resource Description and Access (RDA) to describe video games in the catalog and the use of specialized hardware and software to forensically recover data from fragile digital media.  This event is a part of the Augmented Realities: A Video Game Music Mini-FestFrom RetroBits to VR Hits series. Visit eventbrite.com/e/declassified-processing-and-preserving-video-games-registration-48810927799. Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Saturday, Apr. 6; 2 p.m.
Whittall Pavilion, Jefferson Building
Panel:“The Interface Between Composition, Sound and Video Game Design.”A panel of composers, educators and industry insiders offers a general discussion about composing for video games, from concept to release.This event is a part of the Augmented Realities: A Video Game Music Mini-FestFrom RetroBits to VR Hits series. Visit eventbrite.com/e/the-interface-between-composition-sound-and-video-game-design-panel-registration-48813824463. Contact:(202) 707-5503.

Tuesday, Apr. 16; 7 p.m.
Montpelier Room, Madison Building
American Musicological SocietyLecture: “Americans’ Forgotten Love Affair with Opera.”KatherinePreston looks at the prevalence of English-language opera productions in the United States in the 19th century (and the women who were the managers of many companies), and debunks the myth that only the elite attended operatic productions. Much of the preliminary research for this talk was done using the Library’s stellar collection of American music periodicals from 1860-1900. This lecture is presented as part of the ongoing American Musicological Society lecture series at the Library of Congress.Visit eventbrite.com/e/americans-forgotten-love-affair-with-opera-lecture-registration-48813895676. Contact: (202) 707-5503.

Wednesday, Apr. 24; Noon
Whittall Pavilion, Jefferson Building.
Langston Wilkins, Botkin Lecture Series
“Street Folk: Hip Hop, Car Culture, and Black Life in Houston, Texas.” Langston Collin Wilkins, Director, Center for Washington Cultural Traditions. “Screw” is Houston, Texas’ distinctly local form of hip hop music that emerged within the city’s African-American community almost 30 years ago. It is inextricably tied to “Slab,” a vernacular car culture in which mostly young African-American men spend a considerable amount of time and money transforming outmoded American sedans into spectacular automotive art pieces. In his talk, Wilkins will discuss how “screw” and “slab” combine form a unique local tradition that has affirmed and empowered working class black Houstonians across several generations. Contact: (202) 707-1743.

Concerts/Performances/Films

 A full listing of concerts and performances is available at loc.gov/concerts/seasonataglance.html.For additional information contact the Concerts Office at (202)707-5503 or concerts@loc.gov.  

 Thursday, Apr. 4; 7 p.m.
Pickford Theater, Madison Building
Film: “Reformat the Planet” (NR, 87 minutes).A documentary about the first annual Blip Festival that explores the ChipTunes movement, in which composers create new electronic music using repurposed video hardware.This event is a part of the Augmented Realities: A Video Game Music Mini-FestFrom RetroBits to VR Hits series.  Visit eventbrite.com/e/reformat-the-planet-film-screening-registration-48817829442.  Contact: (202)707-5503.

Friday, Apr. 5; 8 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
Concert: “Hi Score! Introducing a Game to its Music.” The Coolidge Auditorium will transform into a game creation lab as a new Library commission by composer Austin Wintory gets re-spawned as part of a video game score—all while you watch! A new game is being designed just for this event, and we’ll get to see, hear and discuss how it all comes together.  This event is a part of the Augmented Realities: A Video Game Music Mini-FestFrom RetroBitsto VR Hits series.  Visit eventbrite.com/e/hi-score-introducing-a-game-to-its-music-concertpanel-tickets-48965282478. Contact: (202)707-5503.

Thursday, Apr. 11; Noon
Whittall Pavilion, Jefferson Building.
Concert: “Eva Salina and Peter Stan-Serbian and Roma music.” Presented as part of the Homegrown Music of America Concert Series.California-grown, Brooklyn-based Eva Salina is a groundbreaking interpreter of Balkan Romani songs. Raised in the US Balkan Diaspora, Eva's mentors are some of the greatest living Balkan musicians. Eva's duo partner, Peter “Perica” Stan, is a Serbian/Romanian Roma accordionist known for his playful innovation and soulful, intuitive improvisations. In their collaboration, Eva Salina & Peter Stan pick up and continue an interrupted legacy of empowered female voices in Balkan Romani (gypsy) music. Contact: (202) 707-1743.

Friday, Apr. 12; 8 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
Concert:The Jerusalem Quartet deploys a strong sense of drama and a striking range of tonal color to create “an extraordinary unity of sound and purpose” (New York Times). But the individuality of each player remains a palpable presence; it’s a quality that’s ideal for the contrapuntal complexities of Maurice Ravel’s quartet, tinged with jazz inflections—and the ghost of a gamelan orchestra that also inspired Debussy. Visit eventbrite.com/e/jerusalem-quartet-concert-tickets-48801104417.  Contact: (202)707-5503.

Monday, Apr. 15; Noon – 1 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building.
Presented as part of the Homegrown Music of America Concert Series.
Concert: Mokoomba is a six-piece band that hails from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The six band members grew up together in Chinotimba Township and crossed paths in school. This northwestern corner of Zimbabwe borders Zambia, Botswana, and a touch of Namibia, with Malawi not far. The tribal groups who long populated this region prior to European colonization include the Tonga, Luvalle, and Njanja tribes, although others have come to live in this area including the Ndebele. Mokoomba band members have roots in these tribal groups. Victoria Falls is both the name of the town and the name of the spectacular falls on the great Zambesi River. The band members chose the name Mokoomba, a Tonga word that signifies great respect for the river. Contact: (202) 707-1743.

Thursday, Apr. 18; 8 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
Concert: The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center is back with an all-American program covering more than a century of ground. From the rarely heard instrumental music of H.T. Burleigh to the antics of Antheil, a series of classic and lesser-known works make the move from collection to stage. The Irving and Verna Fine Fund supports a new co-commissioned percussion quintet by George Crumb. Superb artistry marries the presentation of old and new in a delightful blend of nostalgia and looking to the future. Visit eventbrite.com/e/chamber-music-society-of-lincoln-center-concert-tickets-48801250855. Contact:(202)707-5503.

Saturday, Apr. 20; 8 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
Concert: “One of the most impressive new voices on the music scene today” (Huffington Post), Jazzmeia Horn captured top honors at the Sarah Vaughan and Thelonious Monk competitions. Her gifts include an arrestingly beautiful voice and imaginative command of style, plus scintillating skills as a scatter. A sharp social commentator, Horn is “a thrilling presence, with a musical sensibility that strikes a deft balance between mid-century jazz and contemporary neosoul” (Downbeat).Presented in cooperation with the Reva & David Logan Foundation.Visit loc.gov/concerts/jazzmeia-horn-quintet.html.  Contact:(202)707-5503.

Saturday, Apr. 27; 2 p.m.
Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building
Concert: “Sardanapalo.” It is exceptionally rare that we have the opportunity to hear a previously unknown work by a major composer, but that is precisely what the Library will offer in its presentation of the piano/vocal version of Franz Liszt’s “Sardanapalo.”Scholar and pianist David Trippett has reconstructed one act of an opera composed by Franz Liszt that the composer abandoned in 1852. He will speak about the process of making a performable version of the piece, and then will be joined by singers from the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists Program of the Washington National Opera and the Washington Master Chorale for a performance of this beautiful and exciting work.Visit loc.gov/concerts/franz-liszt-sardanapalo.html. Contact:(202)707-5503.

 Spring Tour Offerings

The Library of Congress offers a variety of tours for families, music lovers, bibliophiles, international visitors and you! Including but not limited to:

 Touch History Tour 
Visitors with visual impairments are invited to experience a walking tour of the Thomas Jefferson Building. The Touch History tour is led by a specially trained docent who uses vivid language to describe the building. Tours last about onehour.  

 Whittall Open House 
Periodically, the Library opens its Whittall Pavilion for public viewing. A volunteer is on hand to describe and answer questions about the Whittall's Stradivari string instruments, flute collection and artwork. Visitors are invited to take advantage of these opportunities to experience this beautiful and intimate space.

Family Building Tour 
A tour of the Thomas Jefferson Building for elementary school aged children (ages 6-12). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Capacity is 25 participants (including adults) welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to accommodate as many children as possible, adult participation may be limited to twoper extended family group. Tours last approximately 40 minutes and leave promptly from the Jefferson ground floor Center Information Desk.

 Family Mythology Tour
Experience the Thomas Jefferson Building as Mount Olympus! Discover your favorite gods, heroes and mythological characters at the Library of Congress. For ages 8-14. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adult participation may be limited to two per extended family or friend group. Check in at the ground floor information desk for availability. Participation is on a first-come, first served basis. Tours are approximately 40 minutes.

Spanish Language Tour
Centro para Visitantes de la Biblioteca del Congreso ofrecerá visitas guiadas en español del edificio Thomas Jefferson. Las visitas están limitadas a 25 personas en orden de llegada. Reserve su espacio con 30 minutos de antelación al comienzo de la visita en el mostrador de información para visitantes que está localizado en la planta baja. Las visitas duran una hora aproximadamente y abarcan un preámbulo de la historia y servicios de la Biblioteca y el arte y la arquitectura del histórico edificio Thomas Jefferson. Solicite acomodaciones del Acta de Americanos con Discapacidades (ADA, sigla en inglés) con cinco días laborables de antelación a través del (202) 707-6362 o en ADA@loc.gov.

French Language Tour
Direction de l’Accueil du Public de la bibliothèque du Congrès propose des visites guidées en français de l’édifice Thomas Jefferson. Les visites sont limitées à 25 personnes par ordre d’arrivée. Réservez votre place 30 minutes avant le début de la visite au comptoir d’information du rez-de-chaussée. Les visites durent à peu près une heure et incluent un aperçu de l’histoire et des services offerts par la bibliothèque, ainsi que l’art et l’architecture de l’immeuble historique Thomas Jefferson. Pour les personnes en situation de handicap selon l’American Disability Act (acronyme ADA), veuillez contacter avec cinq jours ouvrables d’avance le (202) 707-6362 ou ADA@loc.gov.

Please check the website (loc.gov/visit/tours/guided-tours/thomas-jefferson-building/) for additional dates and information.

 
Research Orientations at the Library of Congress

The “Research Orientation to the Library of Congress” sessions are a basic introduction for researchers using the Library’s collections and resources. Each session includes an overview of reading rooms and collections; guidelines on how to locate and request materials in a closed-stack library; suggestions on how to conduct research efficiently in the Library; instruction on how to use Library of Congress subject headings and other sources for searching accurately by subject; information on how to find published bibliographies and topical indexes in print and automated formats; information on using the Library's catalogs in card and online forms; procedures for finding citations to journal articles; and an overview of electronic resources, including subscription databases.

Orientations are held on weekdays and Saturday mornings. There are multiple winter season dates currently available. The orientations are free, but due to expected demand, tickets are recommended, and there may be special restrictions. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit this event ticketing site (eventbrite.com/o/research-orientations-to-the-library-of-congress-11132505840) for more information and to secure your ticket. Entry is not guaranteed.

Exhibitions at the Library

Exhibitions are open Monday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Exhibitions can be viewed online at loc.gov/exhibits/.

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. 

Thomas Jefferson Building

Ongoing: The Herblock Gallery features a selection of 10 cartoons — with new drawings every six months— and provides an opportunity to learn more about Pulitzer Award-winning artist Herbert L. Block. Graphic Arts Galleries, ground floor.

Ongoing: “Mapping a Growing Nation: From Independence to Statehood” showcases the rare Abel Buell map of 1784, along with seven state maps and a railroad map. First floor, North Gallery.

Ongoing: “Hope for America: Performers, Politics & Pop Culture” focuses on Bob Hope and other entertainers who chose to involve themselves in the political climate of their times. Ground floor.

 Ongoing: “Exploring the Early Americas”tells the story of the Americas before the time of Columbus, as well as the periods of contact and conquest and their aftermath. Visitors can also explore Thomas Jefferson’s Library, featuring thousands of original volumes that provided the foundation for the Library of Congress and its universal collections. Northwest Gallery, second floor.

Ongoing: “Here To Stay: The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin” showcases items from the Gershwin Collection in the Music Division, the world's pre-eminent resource for materials about the Gershwins. Ground floor.

Through July 27, 2019: “Baseball Americana”explores baseball’s gritty roots, its changing traditions and the game today. It is a story the nation’s library can uniquely tell, showcasing items that cannot be found anywhere else. Second floor, South Gallery.

Through Aug. 17, 2019: “Art in Action: Herblock and Fellow Artists Respond to Their Times” explores the tradition of artists as social commentators. Drawings by renowned editorial cartoonist Herblock will be paired with historical and contemporary artists’ prints, drawings and posters that respond to major issues from the 17^th century to the current day. Graphic Arts Gallery, Ground floor.

 
Public Tours of…

 “Baseball Americana”
A free docent-led tour of Baseball Americana.Meet at the exhibition. Tours are scheduled for 11 a.m. on most Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays as well as 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

 “Exploring the Early Americas”
This free, docent-led tour examines indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica and the drama of their encounters with Europeans. It features selections from the Jay I. Kislak Collection as well as the Waldseemueller Maps, created in 1507 and 1516. Meet at the exhibition entrance. Tours are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m.

Those interested in supporting free programs at the Library can contact devofc@loc.gov.

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States— and extensive materials from around the world— both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.