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Information for Researchers - Using the Library of Congress

Personal Items and Security

Most of the Library's reading rooms restrict the type of personal belongings that researchers can bring with them. This is done to enhance the security of the Library's collections, and to ensure that an atmosphere fostering research is maintained in the reading rooms. In June 1998, the Library implemented new restrictions on personal belongings that researchers can bring with them into the Main Reading Room. Policies differ for the various reading rooms, with some requiring that researchers store all personal items before entering the reading room. Researchers should consult the various reading room home pages for more details. A cloakroom for researchers is provided on the ground floor of the Jefferson Building in Room LJ G39-G. This cloakroom is open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; and from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Another cloakroom, located near the 1st Street carriage entrance on the ground floor of the Jefferson Building, is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. A cloakroom in the Madison Building adjacent to the Reader Registration Station in LM 140 is open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; and from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Some reading rooms also provide lockers for researchers to secure their belongings.

Individuals should limit the amount of personal property they bring into the Library. Persons entering the Library do so with the understanding that all property in their possession, including (but not limited to) suitcases, briefcases, attache cases, handbags, large envelopes, packages, and office equipment, will be inspected by the Library Police. There will be a similar inspection upon departure.

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  The Library of Congress >> Especially for Researchers >> Research Centers
  April 3, 2007
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