Visitors Guide to the Library of Congress

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress (LOC) tour looks at the historic Jefferson Building and its symbolic art and architecture. Volunteer docents tell the story of America's oldest cultural institution, including information about its history, collections, and services to Congress and the nation. With the world's largest collection of knowledge, culture, and creativity at hand, the Library of Congress is a must-see part of your trip to Washington, DC.

Please read the following information to prepare for your great tour and make sure it is an enjoyable experience.

When you must request this tour by: One week to one month in advance.

What You Need to Have with You upon Arriving for the Tour: Printed copies of any confirmation pages emailed to you by my office.

Location: 10 1st Street SE, Washington, DC 20540
Exact Location: Enter through the driveway entrance of the Jefferson Building, which faces 1^st Street SE. You should arrive 15 minutes prior to your assigned tour time. When you arrive, an LOC employee outside will check you in. Proceed through the metal detectors to the tour waiting room. A tour guide will meet you there.

View Larger Map

Nearest Metro:
Capitol South-Orange/Blue Line, located at 1^st Street SE between C and D Streets SE. This stop is closest to the Library.
Union Station-Red Line, located at First Street NE and Massachusetts Avenue NE.

Duration: Forty-five minutes to one hour.

Prohibited/Accepted Items: Below is a list of prohibited and accepted items for this tour. Be prepared to pass through airport-like security as you enter the Library and to present all packages, purses, backpacks, etc., for inspection as you exit. Prohibited items will be confiscated.

Prohibited Items:

Weapons of any sort including knives, guns, explosives, etc.

Accepted Items:

Cameras (with exception to the Bibles Corridor, exhibition rooms with original collections on display, and the main reading room overlook)
Cell Phones
Water
Backpacks
Strollers
Purses
Wallets
Jackets
Keys
Umbrellas

Dining Options:

Madison Café (LM 625)
Monday through Friday
Breakfast, 8:30-10:30am
Lunch, 11:00am-2:00pm
Limited Service, 10:30-11am and 2:00-3:30pm
Madison Snack Bar (LM G47)
Monday through Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
Saturday, 8:30am-2:00pm
Adams Snack Bar (LA 110)
Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm
Vending Machines (LM G47 & LM G49)
Monday through Friday, 8:30am-9:30pm
Saturday, 8:30am-5:00pm

Gift Shop: The Library Shop is open from 9:30am-5:00pm Monday-Saturday and is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. It is located on the basement level floor.

Accessibility: This tour is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. Wheelchairs are available to borrow at the Ground Floor Front Desk.

If you have any further questions, please visit http://www.loc.gov/visit/tours/guided/jeffersonbuilding.html, or call my office at (202) 224-2651 or toll-free at (800) 332-6106 and ask for my Director of Constituent Services.

If while in DC you need immediate help with your Library of Congress tour, you can contact the Library directly at (202) 707-8000.

Return to Top

Return to Visiting Washington, DC

Request Tours Now