Audio Guide to the Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress
We’re so glad you’re here! This audio guide offers you an introduction to the Library and the Thomas Jefferson Building.
Guiding you today are:
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Dr. Carla Hayden, Fourteenth Librarian of Congress -
Dr. Stephanie Stillo, Assistant Chief, Rare Book and Special Collections Division
If you have questions throughout your visit, please find a member of the visitor engagement team, identified by their black vests. The text of the audio guide can be found at the bottom of this page.
Introduction
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Welcome (1 minute, 51 seconds)
Start your tour anywhere you would like with a welcome by Fourteenth Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden.
Location: First Floor
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Chapter 1: Great Hall (3 minutes, 42 seconds)
Stop on the first floor to hear an introduction to the Great Hall and the construction of the Thomas Jefferson Building by Matt Leifer, the Library’s Deputy Chief of Visitor Engagement.
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Chapter 2: Gutenberg Bible & Written Word Gallery (3 minutes, 18 seconds)
Dr. Stephanie Stillo, Assistant Chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division, introduces you to the Library’s Gutenberg Bible and the gallery that holds it, which explores ways humans have recorded and shared knowledge over time.
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Chapter 3: Librarian’s Ceremonial Office (50 seconds)
Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden welcomes you to her ceremonial office, which served as the primary working area for Librarians of Congress from 1897 to 1980.
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Chapter 4: Librarians’ Wall (1 minute, 54 seconds)
Deputy Chief of Visitor Engagement Matt Leifer shares stories of the Librarians of Congress who have led the institution since its founding in 1800.
Location: Second Floor
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Chapter 5: Minerva Mosaic (1 minute, 11 seconds)
Matt Leifer introduces you to the large mosaic of Minerva, Roman goddess of wisdom in this segment. View the mosaic from the bottom of the stairs as you listen.
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Chapter 6: Art + Science on the Mezzanine (3 minutes, 22 seconds)
A celebration of art and science can be found on the walls and ceilings in this section of the building. Matt Leifer offers an introduction to the images here and how they relate to the Library’s collections.
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Chapter 7: Founding of the Library of Congress (3 minutes)
Hear about the origins of the Library of Congress and how that history affects the Library’s collecting policies today. Start this portion of the guide at the windows overlooking the U.S. Capitol.
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Chapter 8: Thomas Jefferson’s Library (3 minutes, 7 seconds)
Dr. Stephanie Stillo introduces you to the exhibition of Thomas Jefferson’s library, which was the foundation of the modern Library of Congress.
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Chapter 9: Main Reading Room Overlook (3 minutes, 37 seconds)
Anyone age sixteen and older can register for a readers card to research at the Library. Hear more about the research that happens at the Library along with an introduction to the architecture and design of the space.