August 27, 2024 Library to Host Montly Family Days Throughout Fall and Winter

The Library of Congress will host monthly Family Days throughout the fall and winter season, including programming focused around Hispanic Heritage Month, Halloween, Veterans Day and winter holidays. Families and visitors of all ages are invited to participate in collections-based activities for budding researchers and explore exhibitions on display in the Thomas Jefferson Building. Each program includes a creative activity, connections to Library of Congress collections, a chance to talk to staff experts and a guide to using Library resources at home.

Programming Highlights

September Family Day: Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept. 14: Make your own version of a Latin American cartonera — a handcrafted book made from salvaged materials. Families will recreate the Library’s Otra Piel poetry dress and admire the original dress on view in the David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery. Additionally, visitors are invited to chat with Library staff from the Hispanic Division about their work with the special collections. This event is located on the mezzanine level of the Library’s Jefferson Building from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 14. The event is free, but passes are required for the Jefferson Building. Register for free tickets.

October Family Day: Halloween

Oct. 19: Families of all ages are invited to celebrate spooky season by crafting a Halloween-inspired paper lantern. Enjoy a photo station filled with props, and explore the Library’s exhibitions on display. Activities will be held on the mezzanine level of the Jefferson Building from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 19. The event is free, but passes are required for the Jefferson Building. Costumes are optional. Register for free tickets. 

November Family Day: Veterans Day

Nov. 9: Celebrate Veterans Day by learning about the Victory Gardens that played an important role on the home front during World War I and World War II. Inspired by this historic moment in time, visitors are invited to decorate a plant pot to encourage the start of a garden at home. Learn more about how Americans contributed to the war effort and supported the troops overseas. Activities will be held on the mezzanine level of the Jefferson Building from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 9. The event is free, but passes are required for the Jefferson Building. Register for free tickets. 

December Family Day: Winter Holidays

Dec. 26-28: Create holiday cards, bookmarks and more using beautiful imagery from Library winter-themed collections as inspiration. This Family Day will be hosted for three days starting on Thursday, Dec. 26 through Saturday, Dec. 28. Activities will be held on the mezzanine level of the Library’s Jefferson Building from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is free, but passes are required for the Jefferson Building. Register for free tickets.

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.