As part of a greater congestion management strategy, free timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Library.
LCR 8-121 and 36 C.F.R. 702.4 require that individuals or groups wishing to engage in formal photography for personal use must request a permit through the Library's photography permitting system
Groups of 21 people or more must request free timed-entry tickets by completing our group registration form.
Visitation peaks at the Library from March through July - during this time, expect longer than normal wait times to navigate security screening to enter the building.
Experience the Main Reading Room
The Library of Congress welcomes visitors to join short, 5-minute walkthroughs around the center desk of the grand Main Reading Room. Usually reserved for credentialed researchers, this special access offers visitors a glimpse inside one of Washington’s most beautiful spaces.
The Main Reading Room is available to view on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building Tuesday – Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Visitors are also welcome to view the space on Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A limited number of free tickets to join the walkthroughs are available in the Great Hall on a first-come, first-served basis starting 10 minutes before the program begins. Please review the bag policies. School groups are not permitted.
Exhibitions
Visit our exhibitions page to find current exhibitions on display, including the most current theme in our new Treasures gallery.
Visit the Library Store on the First Floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday- Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Thursday’s from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Visit the Online Store on Shopify to browse a wide selection of Library-themed gifts and apparel.
Note: The Library is currently not offering guided tours for groups, however roaming volunteers are available throughout the Thomas Jefferson Building to answer questions, give directions, and share stories about the Library’s collections and building.
Live! at the Library
The Library is open late every Thursday evening from 5 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy happy hour drinks and snacks available for purchase in the Great Hall overlooking the U.S. Capitol. The series will regularly feature special conversations, music, performances, films, and workshops that showcase the broad range of holdings at the national library. Learn more
Free timed-entry tickets on Thursdays at 5 p.m. are required for entry to Live! at the Library. To attend reserve tickets here.
Select programs with limited capacities may require a separate event ticket for entry to those rooms. Please review the event page for each program to confirm the entry requirements. Visitors without advance event tickets are welcome to attend space permitting.
Concerts, Lectures & Other Events
Check out the Library’s Calendar of Public Events for upcoming program opportunities, both onsite and online. You can stay in touch and learn more about the Library’s resources on Facebook and Instagram, and Twitter.
Location
Thomas Jefferson Building
10 First Street SE
Washington, DC 20540
Library of Congress buildings are fully accessible. Please indicate any ADA related needs at least five days in advance of your visit by contacting ADA@loc.gov or (202) 707-6362.
