Services > Visiting DC
Library of Congress
(101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington DC 20003) - MAP
"America’s Library" contains more than 75 million volumes and is a world-renowned research center for scholars. Special exhibitions - including a permanent display of the Gutenberg Bible, the first boo printed with movable type - make the Library a favorite tourist attraction as well.
Free 30-minute tours leave for the Visitor’s Center in Thomas Jefferson Building at 11:30 a.m., 1:00, and 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Groups of ten or more should contact the Tour Office at least three to four weeks in advance.
The Madison Building also has a public cafeteria on the top floor offering an excellent view.
Tour Summary: The Library is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is the largest library in the world, with nearly 128 million items. The tour focuses on the history, art, and architecture of the Jefferson Building of the Library.
Closest Metro Stop: Capitol South (Blue and Orange lines) and Union Station (Red line)
Tour Length: One hour
Phone: (202) 707-8000
Restrictions: Tour groups may not exceed 16 people
Reserved tours (requested and scheduled through my office):
Availability: 8:30 am, 1:45 pm, and 3:45 pm Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays)
Tour Request Deadline: At least 2 weeks before the desired tour date. (I encourage you to submit your request as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available and tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.)
Public tours:
Availability: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm Monday through Saturday. (There is no 3:30 tour on Saturday). The Library is closed on federal holidays.
Website: www.loc.gov/visit
