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Main Reading Room. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, D.C., Carol Highsmith, photographer

Notice: As the Library of Congress gradually begins to reopen its Reading Rooms for research, we are putting safety first with new procedures and practices that protect everyone’s health. Online resources and reference services, such as Ask a Librarian, will continue to be available during this time. Starting June 1 confirmed appointments are required for entry into Library facilities, and everyone must follow the health and safety protocols established by the Library, in consultation with public health professionals (Most of these protocols are mandatory, regardless of vaccination status.). Patrons wishing to obtain or renew their Readers Cards must make appointments to do so according to the instructions on the Pandemic Information for Researchers page.

Research Centers

Main Reading Room, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith, [1980].

General Collections

Books, pamphlets, journals, newspapers and other serial publications. More about the General Collections

Mural painting, Hispanic Reading Room, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith, [1980].

International Collections

More than 470 languages are represented in the Library's global collections. More about the International Collections

Ambrotypes and tintypes from the Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs.

Special Format Collections

Photographs, maps, music, sound, film, manuscripts, and other media. More about the Special Format Collections

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