Hours of Operation
Visitor Hours to the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building (Tours, Exhibitions, Gallery Talks)
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Researchers Hours (Access to Readings Rooms, Research Assistance)
Hours for reading rooms vary. View reading room and research center hours.
Holiday and Weather Closures
All Library of Congress buildings are closed to the public on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year holidays. All reading rooms and the Madison and Adams buildings are closed on Federal Holidays.
In the event of inclement weather or other issues, the Library of Congress typically follows the Federal Government operating status.
E-Mail Alerts
Receive e-mail alerts External about the Library of Congress's operating status.
Building Entrance and Exit Availability
Thomas Jefferson Building
First Street, SE
Monday - Saturday
Visitors: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Researchers and Staff: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Exit closes at 5:30 p.m.
Second Street, SE Entrance
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Researchers and Staff: 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Second Street, NE, Exit
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
James Madison Memorial Building
Independence Avenue, SE Entrance
Monday–Friday
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Entry after 6 p.m. is reserved for those attending events at the Library, researchers entering reading rooms that are open in the evenings (view reading room hours) and for staff.
Saturday
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
C Street, SE
Monday–Friday
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for entrance
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. for exit
John Adams Building
Second Street, SE
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Entry after 6 p.m. is reserved for those attending events at the Library, researchers entering reading rooms that are open in the evenings (view reading room hours) and for staff.
Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.