Security Procedures

Below is a general overview of the security procedure that visitors undergo as they enter the NIH campus where the National Library of Medicine is located. We ask you to review the following information closely prior to your visit. And please contact us at 301–594–1947 or NLMExhibition@mail.nih.gov with any questions you may have. Thank you!

Visitors driving must enter at the South Drive off Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland. For visual reference view the Bethesda area map:

• everyone who is 16 and older is asked to present one government-issued photo ID under yellow alert [two IDs are required under orange alert];
• everyone is asked to step outside of the car and is inspected with a handheld magnetometer;
• vehicle including the trunk area is inspected;
• personal belongings, such as bags and purses, may be inspected;
• each person is given an NIH visitor pass.
• after completing the security procedure, follow driving directions to the National Library of Medicine, Bldg. 38.

Visitors on foot must enter at the NIH campus via the Visitor Gateway center located on South Drive near the Medical Center metro rail stop (red line). For visual reference, view the NIH Visitor's Map:

• everyone who is 16 and older is asked to present one government-issued photo ID under yellow alert [two IDs are required under orange alert];
• everyone walks through a magnetometer;
• vehicle including the trunk area is inspected;
• everyone's belongings are sent through a security machine (like at the airport);
• each person is given an NIH visitor pass.
• exiting the Gateway Center, visitors may
  • walk to the Library by turning left and following signs marked with "National Library of Medicine, Bldg. 38" (approximately 10 minute walk); or
  • take the "Campus Limited" shuttle bus (schedule), get off at the Natcher Center, Bldg. 45, and walk to the Library located across the street and to the left.