For the Public
Library of Congress Announces Limited Access to Facilities and Public Events Canceled Until Further Notice
Out of an abundance of caution, all Library of Congress buildings and facilities will be closed to the public, including researchers and others with reader identification cards, starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 12 until further notice to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 coronavirus. The Library has reduced the number of people in Library buildings to a very small number of necessary individuals.
Furthermore, all Library-sponsored public programs and public tours are postponed or canceled until further notice. Whenever possible, the Library will reschedule the public programs originally scheduled during the closure period.
Information about limited on-site access to electronic resources available to researchers
Because the health and safety of Library employees and visitors is our first priority, the Library is carefully and continuously monitoring information from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention, local area health departments, and our Federal partners so the Library can respond rapidly as conditions change regarding COVID-19 coronavirus. The Library has increased cleaning of restrooms, public spaces and elevator lobbies, and has installed additional hand sanitizer stations.
The public can still access many Library resources through loc.gov, Ask a Librarian and congress.gov. If you are a user of U.S. Copyright Office services, submit your applications online, browse FAQs and submit emails with questions through copyright.gov. You may also reach the Copyright Office by phone at (202) 707-3000.
This page will be updated when there is additional and new information about Library of Congress response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. We will also provide regular public updates on the operating status of Library facilities via our Twitter and Facebook accounts. You may also subscribe to a special "Hours of Operation" email bulletin service to receive updates.