Building Access
We’re excited to welcome you to the Library of Congress. To access the onsite research centers you will need to register for a library card.
Accessing the Research Centers
There are three Library of Congress buildings on the Capitol Hill campus in Washington, DC: Adams, Madison and Jefferson. Each building contains research centers that are organized by subject, format, and/or region/language. Users of the Library's research centers, computer labs, and the Copyright Office Reading Room are required to have a library card issued by the Library.
New library users entering the building to obtain their library card are recommended to enter through the Madison or Jefferson buildings. Should you be asked for the reason for your visit, indicate you are here to obtain your Library card and use one of the reading rooms/research centers. Neither a timed entry ticket nor an appointment are necessary to visit a research center.
Anyone entering a Library building must pass through a metal detector and have their belongings screened by an x-ray machine staffed by U.S. Capitol Police. Anyone exiting a Library building must pass through an electronic theft detection system and open all bags, etc., for inspection.
Cloak Rooms and Lockers
Before visiting the reader registration stations or a research center, you'll need to store your coats, bags, and other bulky items in a cloak room. Some research centers also have lockers to store personal belongings. For more information about what you can bring, visit the personal belongings page.
Getting Here
ADA Access
All Library buildings are fully accessible. The campus map highlights building entrances.
The accessible entrance locations are also detailed below:
- Thomas Jefferson Building (LJ), 10 First Street SE. Enter on First Street.
- John Adams Building (LA), Second Street and Independence Avenue SE. Enter on Second Street side of building.
- James Madison Memorial Building (LM), 101 Independence Avenue SE. Enter on Independence Avenue
More information, such as assistive technologies for researchers, can be found on the Accessibility at the Library of Congress website.