Ground Floor

Ground Floor Overview

The building is rectangular. The north side of the building is parallel to Independence Ave. The south side of the building is parallel to C St SE. The building is separated into four color-coordinated sections with an additional core for the center of the building. The Blue Core is to the northeast, the Red Core is to the southeast, the Yellow Core is to the southwest, the Green Core is to the northwest, and the Bronze Core is in the center. The hallways widen where colored cores meet. There are elevators, stairs, and restrooms in each core of the building.

The directions to locations of interest assume you are standing just outside the elevators in the Bronze Core facing east. Please refer to the Elevators and Stairs section for directions to locate the Bronze Core elevators from the Main Entrance. In the directions below, symbols are placed after certain location names to indicate closure and restriction updates.

These directions were last updated August 2024.

Entrances and Exits

C St SE Entrance and Exit [ Wheelchair Accessible Wheelchair Access] [Staff]

The C St SE Entrance and Exit is located in the southwest corner of the building up the stairs that face C St SE. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp in the southwest corner of the building facing 1st St SE. You must present staff I.D. to pass through security. Every entrance has security screening; please refer to the Services and Security section for details on the security screening process.

Directions to C St SE Entrance

Step 1: From the corner of C St SE and 1st St SE, face east and proceed down the sidewalk along C St SE towards 2nd St SE.
Step 2: Continue alongside the short wall bordering the left side of the sidewalk until the wall ends and you reach the stairs on your left. Use caution to navigate around short poles and barriers.
Step 3: Ascend the stairs to the first landing and continue to ascend the second flight of stairs to reach the C St SE Entrance.
Step 4: There are three sets of glass doors to enter the building. The set of double doors to the left is the Visitor Entrance that leads to Security. Please present your I.D. to security and follow all instructions from security personnel.

Directions to C St SE Exit

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Turn left as you exit the lobby.
Step 2: Proceed forward and take a left to enter the hallway leading to the Green Core.
Step 3: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Green Core.
Step 4: Take the first left after the wider section.
Step 5: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Green Core meets the Yellow Core.
Step 6: Proceed forward to the end of the Yellow Core hallway. Turn right and proceed forward.
Step 7: Turn left and continue forward to reach the C St SE Exit. You will be asked to proceed through a book detector to pass through security screening. Please follow all instructions from security personnel.
Step 8: After exiting the building turn right to descend the wheelchair accessible ramp or proceed forward to descend two flights of stairs to the C St SE sidewalk.

2nd St SE Entrance and Exit [ Closed] [Researchers Researcher] [Staff]

The 2nd St SE Entrance and Exit is located on the east side of the building down the stairs facing 2nd St SE. This entrance is not wheelchair accessible. Please refer to the C St SE Entrance and Exit section for the wheelchair accessible entrance to the Ground Floor from the exterior of the building. You must present staff I.D. or a Reader Card to pass through security. Every entrance has security screening; please refer to the Services and Security section for details on the security screening process.

Directions to 2nd St SE Entrance [ Closed]

Step 1: From the corner of Independence Ave and 2nd St SE, face south and proceed down the sidewalk along 2nd St SE towards C St SE.
Step 2: Continue alongside the low stone wall on the right side of the sidewalk until you reach a gap in the wall. Use caution to navigate around short poles and barriers.
Step 3: Continue forward to reach another low stone wall on the right side of the sidewalk.
Step 4: Continue forward until the wall ends. Turn right and continue forward towards the descending stairs to the 2nd St SE Entrance.
Step 5: Descend the stairs to the first landing and continue to descend the second flight of stairs to reach the 2nd St SE Entrance.
Step 6: The door to the right is a Visitor Entrance that leads to Security. Please present staff I.D. to security and follow all instructions from security personnel.

Directions to 2nd St SE Exit [ Closed]

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: The hallway will open into an intersection. Proceed forward through the hallway intersection, passing the open double doors on your right.
Step 5: Continue forward to reach the 2nd St SE Exit. You will be asked to proceed through a book detector to pass through security screening. Please follow all instructions from security personnel.
Step 6: After exiting the building proceed forward to ascend two flights of stairs to the 2nd St SE sidewalk.

1st St SE Entrance and Exit [ Closed] [Researchers Researcher] [Staff]

The 1st St SE Entrance and Exit is located on the west side of the building down the stairs facing 1st St SE. This entrance is not wheelchair accessible. Please refer to the C St SE Entrance and Exit section for the wheelchair accessible entrance to the Ground Floor from the exterior of the building. You must present staff I.D. or a Reader Card to pass through security. Every entrance has security screening; please refer to the Services and Security section for details on the security screening process.

Directions to 1st St SE Entrance [ Closed]

Step 1: From the corner of Independence Ave and 1st St SE, face south and proceed down the sidewalk along 1st St SE towards C St SE.
Step 2: Continue alongside the low stone wall on the left side of the sidewalk passing the stairs on your left. Use caution to navigate around short poles and barriers. Continue forward to reach another low stone wall.
Step 3: Turn right and proceed forward with the low stone wall on your left until the wall ends. Turn left and continue to follow the stone wall on your left until it ends.
Step 4: Turn right and continue forward towards the descending stairs to the 1st St SE Entrance.
Step 5: Descend the stairs to the first landing and continue to descend the second flight of stairs to reach the 2nd St SE Entrance.
Step 6: The door to the right is a Visitor Entrance that leads to Security. Please present staff I.D. to security and follow all instructions from security personnel.

Directions to 1st St SE Exit [ Closed]

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Turn left as you exit the lobby. Be cautious of freestanding displays when navigating.
Step 2: Proceed forward and take a left to enter the hallway leading to the Green Core.
Step 3: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Green Core.
Step 4: Continue forward to reach the 1st St SE Exit. You will be asked to proceed through a book detector to pass through security screening. Please follow all instructions from security personnel.
Step 5: After exiting the building proceed forward to ascend two flights of stairs to the 1st St SE sidewalk.

Tunnel to Adams and Jefferson Buildings

The Tunnel to Adams and Jefferson Buildings is located on the Basement Floor in the northwest corner of the building. Please refer to the Researcher and Staff Locations of Interest for directions to the Tunnel to Adams and Jefferson Buildings.

Reader Card Registration

Navigation to Reader Card Registration

Reader Card Registration is located on the First Floor in the Newspaper & Current Periodical Reading Room. Please refer to the Newspaper & Current Periodical Reading Room section for directions to Reader Card Registration.

Restrooms

Men’s and Women’s restrooms are located in each core of every floor in the building. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located in the Blue Core and Yellow Core in the northeast and southwest corners of the building. On weekends, use the restrooms in the Blue Core and Bronze Core only.

Bronze Core Restrooms [ Men’s] [ Women’s]

The Bronze Core Restrooms are located on each floor in the center of the building near the Bronze Core Elevators.

Directions to Bronze Core Restrooms

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: The restrooms will be immediately to your right. The Men’s Restroom is on the right, followed by the Women’s Restroom.

Blue Core Restrooms [ Wheelchair Accessible Wheelchair Access] [ Men’s] [ Women’s]

The Blue Core Restrooms are located on each floor in the northeast corner of the building across from the Blue Core elevators and next to the Blue Core Stairs.

Directions to Blue Core Restrooms

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: Take the first right after the wider section.
Step 5: Continue forward. The Men’s Restroom is on the right, followed by the Women’s Restroom..

Red Core Restrooms [ Men’s] [ Women’s]

The Red Core Restrooms are located on each floor in the southeast corner of the building across from the Red Core Elevators and next to the Red Core Stairs.

Directions to Red Core Restrooms

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: Take the first right after the wider section.
Step 5: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Blue Core meets the Red Core.
Step 6: The Men’s Restroom is on the right, followed by the Women’s Restroom.

Yellow Core Restrooms [ Wheelchair Accessible Wheelchair Access] [ Men’s] [ Women’s]

The Yellow Core Restrooms are located on each floor in the southwest corner of the building across from the Yellow Core Elevators and next to the Yellow Core Stairs.

Directions to Yellow Core Restrooms

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Turn left as you exit the lobby.
Step 2: Proceed forward and take a left to enter the hallway leading to the Green Core.
Step 3: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Green Core.
Step 4: Take the first left after the wider section.
Step 5: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Green Core meets the Yellow Core.
Step 6: The Men’s Restroom is on the left, followed by the Women’s Restroom.

Green Core Restrooms [ Men’s] [ Women’s]

The Green Core Restrooms are located on each floor in the northwest corner of the building across from the Green Core Elevators and next to the Green Core Stairs.

Directions to Green Core Restrooms

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Turn left as you exit the lobby.
Step 2: Proceed forward and take a left to enter the hallway leading to the Green Core.
Step 3: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Green Core.
Step 4: Take the first left after the wider section.
Step 5: Continue forward. The Men’s Restroom is on the left, followed by the Women’s Restroom.

Services and Security

Security

All visitors must be screened by security immediately upon entering the building through any entrance. Researchers and Staff entering through a Researchers entrance will be asked to present their I.D. badge or Reader Card. If you will need accommodations for a future visit, please request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at 202-707-6362 or email ADA@loc.gov. If you need assistance the day of your visit please ask an officer at the Security screening for assistance.

Directions for Security and Screening Process

Step 1: Remove all contents from pockets, belts, and place in the provided plastic bin.
Step 2: Place the plastic bin containing belongings on the security conveyor belt for screening.
Step 3: Remove any laptops or large electronics and tablets from your bag and place them on the conveyor belt for screening.
Step 4: Place bags on the conveyor belt and pass through the metal detector.
Step 5: Gather belongings from the conveyor belt and return the empty plastic bin to the counter next to the metal detector.

Health Services

Health Services is located on the Ground Floor on the east side of the building, near the 2nd St SE Entrance and Exit.

Directions to Health Services

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: The hallway will open into an intersection. Continue forward through the hallway intersection, passing the open double doors on your right.
Step 5: After continuing forward at the intersection, the entrance to Health Services is the first door on the right where the hallway opens into a wider space.

Police and Lost & Found

Police and Lost & Found is located on the Ground Floor on the west side of the building, between the Green Core and Yellow Core.

Directions to Police and Lost & Found

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Turn left as you exit the lobby.
Step 2: Proceed forward and take a left to enter the hallway leading to the Green Core.
Step 3: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Green Core.
Step 4: Take the first left after the wider section.
Step 5: Continue forward. Pass the entrance to the Green Core Elevators on the right.
Step 6: The entrance to the Police and Lost & Found will be the second door after the Green Core elevators to your right.

ATM

The ATM is located on the Ground Floor in the center of the building, just outside the Bronze Core elevators.

Directions to ATM

Step 1: Facing east at the Bronze Core elevators so that elevators are to your left and right, immediately turn left.
Step 2: The ATM will be against the wall just after turning from the elevators.

Elevators and Stairs

Bronze Core Elevators [Elevator]

The Bronze Core Elevators are located on each floor in the center of the building.

Directions to Bronze Core Elevators

Step 1: After passing through security at the Main Entrance on the First Floor, continue forward, passing a hallway to your right.
Step 2: Take the next right to reach the elevators. There will be three elevators to the north and three elevators to the south.

Blue Core Elevators and Stairs [Elevator] [Stairs]

The Blue Core Elevators and Stairs are located on each floor in the northeast corner of the building near the Blue Core Restrooms.

Directions to Blue Core Elevators

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room. Be cautious of freestanding displays when navigating.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: Take the first right after the wider section.
Step 5: Continue forward. The entrance to the Blue Core Elevators is first the opening on the left.

Directions to Blue Core Stairs

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room. Be cautious of freestanding displays when navigating.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Proceed forward down the hallway. Continue past the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: Take the first right after the wider section.
Step 5: Continue forward. The door to the Blue Core Stairs will be on the right.

Red Core Elevators and Stairs [Elevator] [Stairs]

The Red Core Elevators and Stairs are located on each floor in the southeast corner of the building near the Red Core Restrooms.

Directions to Red Core Elevators

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room. Be cautious of freestanding displays when navigating.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: Take the first right after the wider section
Step 5: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Blue Core meets the Red Core.
Step 6: Continue forward. The entrance to the Red Core Elevators is first the opening on the left.

Directions to Red Core Stairs

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room. Be cautious of freestanding displays when navigating.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: Take the first right after the wider section
Step 5: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Blue Core meets the Red Core.
Step 6: The door to the Red Core Stairs will be on the right.

Yellow Core Elevators and Stairs [Elevator] [Stairs]

The Yellow Core Elevators and Stairs are located on each floor in the southwest corner of the building near the Yellow Core Restrooms.

Directions to Yellow Core Elevators

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Turn left as you exit the lobby. Be cautious of freestanding displays when navigating.
Step 2: Proceed forward and take a left to enter the hallway leading to the Green Core.
Step 3: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Green Core.
Step 4: Take the first left after the wider section
Step 5: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Green Core meets the Yellow Core.
Step 6: Continue forward. The entrance to the Yellow Core Elevators is the first opening on the right.

Directions to Yellow Core Stairs

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Turn left as you exit the lobby. Be cautious of freestanding displays when navigating.
Step 2: Proceed forward and take a left to enter the hallway leading to the Green Core.
Step 3: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Green Core.
Step 4: Take the first left after the wider section
Step 5: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Green Core meets the Yellow Core.
Step 6: The door to the Yellow Core Stairs will be on the left.

Green Core Elevators and Stairs [Elevator] [Stairs]

The Green Core Elevators and Stairs are located on each floor in the northwest corner of the building near the Green Core Restrooms.

Directions to Green Core Elevators

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Turn left as you exit the lobby. Be cautious of freestanding displays when navigating.
Step 2: Proceed forward and take a left to enter the hallway leading to the Green Core.
Step 3: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Green Core.
Step 4: Take the first left after the wider section
Step 5: Continue forward. The entrance to the Green Core Elevators is the first opening on the right.

Directions to Green Core Stairs

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Turn left as you exit the lobby. Be cautious of freestanding displays when navigating.
Step 2: Proceed forward and take a left to enter the hallway leading to the Green Core.
Step 3: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Green Core.
Step 4: Take the first left after the wider section
Step 5: Continue forward. The door to the Green Core Stairs will be on the left.

Visitor Locations of Interest

Snack Bar & Coffee Shop

The Snack Bar & Coffee Shop is located on the Ground Floor on the east side of the building. There is currently a Subway and a Dunkin’ Donuts located in the Snack Bar & Coffee Shop.

Directions to Snack Bar & Coffee Shop

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: The hallway will open into an intersection. At the hallway intersection, turn left and proceed forward. The entrance to the Snack Bar & Coffee Shop will be the second door on your right.

Micro Market

Location name is located on the Ground Floor on the east side of the building near the Tunnel to Adams and Jefferson Buildings.

Directions to Micro Market

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: The hallway will open into an intersection. At the hallway intersection, turn left and proceed forward.
Step 5: Pass three doors on the left to reach an opening on the left side of the hallway. Turn left and immediately turn right to enter the Micro Market.

Researcher and Staff Locations of Interest

OCIO Conference Room A [Staff] [ Wi-Fi]

OCIO Conference Room A (formerly the Automation Orientation Center) is located on the Ground Floor on the east side of the building.

Directions to OCIO Conference Room A

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: The hallway will open into an intersection. At the hallway intersection, turn left and proceed forward. The entrance to the OCIO Conference Room A will be the first door on your right.

Tunnel to Adams and Jefferson Buildings [Researchers Researcher] [Staff]

The Tunnel to Adams and Jefferson Buildings is located on the Basement Floor in the northwest corner of the building.

Directions to Tunnel to Adams and Jefferson Buildings

Step 1: Stand in the elevator lobby for the Bronze Core elevators, facing east so that elevators are to your left and right. Proceed forward until you reach the other side of the room.
Step 2: Turn left and proceed forward. Turn right to enter the hallway leading to the Blue Core.
Step 3: Continue forward down the hallway. Continue forward through the wider section where the Bronze Core meets the Blue Core.
Step 4: The hallway will open into an intersection. At the hallway intersection, turn left and proceed forward. The entrance to the Tunnel to Adams and Jefferson Buildings is straight ahead. There is a handrail along the center of the tunnel. Please stay to the left of the handrail to allow machinery and equipment to travel on the right.