Visiting The Library | Library Of Congress

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Visiting the Library

We’re excited to welcome you to the Library of Congress. Free timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building.

How do I get a free timed-entry ticket? Reserve free timed-entry tickets online before your visit to the Library. Tickets are available 30 days in advance.

Free same-day tickets will be made available online each day at 9 a.m. ET.

We encourage you to take a moment to review our Know Before You Go page to prepare for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Visitor Hours *

• Monday: closed *
• Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: closed

Last entry for visitors is 30 minutes prior to closing.

* Note: Library of Congress reading rooms are available to researchers on a different schedule, including regular hours on Mondays. See this page for reading room hours.

All screenings at the Packard Campus in Culpeper, Virginia are free and seating is on a walk-in basis. It is not necessary to reserve a timed-entry ticket for screenings at the Packard Campus. Learn more about the Packard Campus Theater

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  As part of a greater congestion management strategy, free timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Library.

  Individuals can reserve up to 20 free timed-entry tickets here.

  Groups of 21 people or more must request free timed-entry tickets by completing our group registration form.

  Visitation peaks at the Library from March through July - during this time, expect longer than normal wait times to navigate security screening to enter the building.

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  The Library of Congress welcomes visitors to join short, 5-minute walkthroughs around the center desk of the grand Main Reading Room. Usually reserved for credentialed researchers, this special access offers visitors a glimpse inside one of Washington’s most beautiful spaces.

  The Main Reading Room is available to view on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building Tuesday – Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Visitors are also welcome to view the space on Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A limited number of free tickets to join the walkthroughs are available in the Great Hall on a first-come, first-served basis starting 10 minutes before the program begins. Please review the bag policies. School groups are not permitted.

Exhibitions

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  Visit our exhibitions page to find current exhibitions on display, including the most current theme in our new Treasures gallery.

Reading Rooms

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  Interested in becoming a researcher at the Library of Congress? Learn more about resources available to researchers and registering for a Reader Identification Card. Have a research question? We encourage you to contact a Library specialist through our Ask a Librarian portal.

Shopping

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  Visit the Library Store on the First Floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday- Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Thursday’s from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Visit the Online Store on Shopify to browse a wide selection of Library-themed gifts and apparel.

View our digital brochures in multiple languages to help plan your visit

Visitor Hours

The Thomas Jefferson Building is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Note: Last visitor entry is at 4:30 p.m.

Closed: Sundays, Mondays, and select federal holidays

Free timed-entry tickets are required for entry.

Groups

Groups of 21 or more people should request their free timed-entry tickets by filling out the group registration form. Group reservations may be made up to 60 days in advance. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Note: The Library is currently not offering guided tours for groups, however roaming volunteers are available throughout the Thomas Jefferson Building to answer questions, give directions, and share stories about the Library’s collections and building.

Live! at the Library

The Library is open late every Thursday evening from 5 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Enjoy happy hour drinks and snacks available for purchase in the Great Hall overlooking the U.S. Capitol. The series will regularly feature special conversations, music, performances, films, and workshops that showcase the broad range of holdings at the national library. Learn more

Free timed-entry tickets on Thursdays at 5 p.m. are required for entry to Live! at the Library. To attend reserve tickets here.

Select programs with limited capacities may require a separate event ticket for entry to those rooms. Please review the event page for each program to confirm the entry requirements. Visitors without advance event tickets are welcome to attend space permitting.

Concerts, Lectures & Other Events

Check out the Library’s Calendar of Public Events for upcoming program opportunities, both onsite and online. You can stay in touch and learn more about the Library’s resources on Facebook and Instagram, and Twitter.

Location

Thomas Jefferson Building 10 First Street SE Washington, DC 20540

Directions and arrival

Accessibility

Library of Congress buildings are fully accessible. Please indicate any ADA related needs at least five days in advance of your visit by contacting [email protected] or (202) 707-6362.

More on accessibility for visitors

Visitor Information

Our Visitor Engagement Office team is here to help you plan your visit. Please contact us at [email protected] or (202) 707-9779 with your questions.

• Visiting the Library
  • Directions
  • Know Before You Go
  • Reserve Timed-Entry Pass
  • Group Reservation (20+ People)
  • Brochures
  • Wireless Network
• Audio Guide
• Quick Look Guide
• Virtual Views
• Maps & Floor Plans
• Volunteer
• Contact Visitor Engagement
• A Library for You

Related Resources

• Activities for Kids and Families
• Connect with the Library of Congress
• News from the Library of Congress
• Library of Congress Magazine
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