Library of Congress

On the advice of our tour guide, I took the underground tunnel from the US Capitol to the Library of Congress. Not knowing what to expect, I was delighted with the experience, surprised by the beauty of the architecture, murals, and exhibits. I found myself at the top of the historical building, face pressed against the glass in awe, looking down into the modern Library of Congress with its rotunda, reading room, and labyrinth of shelving.
Take the walk from Capitol Visitors’ Center. It’s worth it.

The building is beautiful and well worth a visit while you are in DC. Plus it’s great to see Jefferson’s library. I certainly enjoyed my time here!

People say architecture in the United States lacks romance, that we have no sense of history, that we are all to ready to raze cultural institutions in favor of the cold and modern. For just a moment you can forget all this and pretend you’re touring one of the ancient libraries or Rome or Paris when you visit the Library of Congress.
The LoC was built to reflect the grandeur of Parisian buildings of the period (the founding fathers did not want to be out done, after all) and is one of very few American monuments with beauty and architectural appeal on par with our European counterparts. Free tours are available throughout the day and I would strongly suggest taking one. You are free to wander in and out of them as you please, but I found the tour really helped give me a sense of context for what I was seeing as well as the overall history of the building.
You will not be allowed to visit the Main Reading Room (or any of the reading rooms, for that matter), but you can view it from the upper gallery. Unfortunately, the viewing gallery is surrounded in plexiglass, so its hard to get a quality photograph. The building itself could occupy you for hours with its paintings and sculptures, but there are also rotating exhibits at the LoC that are worth a visit in addition to, of course, the Thomas Jefferson library collection (the main building is named for him). The collection itself is arranged rotunda style in glass and is made up of Jefferson’s original books, books not originally Jefferson’s but of the same time and edition as the copies he had, and placeholders for books that are still missing from the collection.

BEAUTIFUL! Perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings in DC. The exhibits were fantastic too. Free admission. Can’t wait for the Civil Rights exhibits to be completed. The main reading room is absolutely GORGEOUS! Cool gift shop as well. The Mayan artifacts were awesome to see. Thomas Jefferson’s library was incredible!!! Books going back as far as the 1600s. Can’t wait to return!

I have been to DC many times, but for some reason never went here until now.
On my last visit, I was trying to avoid touristy things but really wanted to see the inside of this magnificent building — and it was totally worth it. I went during a low tourist season (January) but I would imagine it can get busy here.
But it was amazing. The structure is so beautiful inside. Definitely take the time to do the guided tour, because otherwise you will walk around saying, «oh that’s a nice statue, oh that’s a nice painting» and have no idea what anything actually means. The tours run every 20 minutes and are free. When you are able to have someone explain what the meaning of something is, it makes you appreciate it so much more.
An absolute must if you are in DC, especially if you are a book lover. The reading room makes me wish I had a research project to do just so I could work in there! It was awesome.

The architecture and the history already made it a place for us to visit. You can view the Capitol building from the other side of it. There is a tunnel for you to take to cross to the Capitol. Make sure to go 30 mins before closing time. We came thinking the place is open until 5pm to find out that the last admittance is at 4:30pm. We came back the next day though and didnt regret one bit. It is gorgeous. You cant go into the library itself as only researcher can go in but you can view it from above and it was still amazing. You can sit and look at each individual carving and appreciate their hard work. It was definitely worth my visit! This one is a bit out of the way from the mall so i suggest to visit this first and make your way back to the mall since all the museums are within walking distance.

So, I love this place. But…
I love the Library. But becoming a member was a drag. One goes to one of the 3 buildings. So far, so good.
I input, through a computer, my personal data. Okay.
I’m instructed to go to a line (but I was 2^nd, so no real line).
There was a woman, and a man to register me. I got him. Or, he got me.
Stand in front of the camera. Sit on the stool.
No, sit on the stool. I apologize, reorient myself. Silence.
Look into the camera. I do so. Click click. Silence.
Here. And he hands it to me.
Sound thrilling? But worse, his was of a civil servant attitude which, I thought, had gone out with the dinosaurs:
‘Yeah. I got to do this. But don’t make me do anything over the bare minimum.‘
So, is he’s probably protected until his sad butt sags enough to retire? Probably. But shame on him. And I hope that someone in the Library admin. reads this, and acts on it.
At least it took very little time.

Nice building! A lot to see! Some people seem really passionate about this building. Just a tad bit boring.

Gorgeous building with intricate and interesting décor. I wish there was more of the collection on display, however it was interesting to see the Gutenberg Bible and copies of Poor Richard’s almanac. The Christmas tree in the center was beautiful and so far is my favorite of the many Christmas displays around DC.

It’s linked to the state capitol via an underground tunnel. Be sure to join the free tour. The librarians are so passionate & informative!
Every inscriptions & tiles have a meaning & story behind it.

I had so few hours at the end of my work trip to run through DC like a mad woman to see things I wanted to see, I literally ran in here for 15 minutes because I just had to BE here. The reading room is probably the most famous thing because it’s breathtaking. If you go early in your trip you can apply for a library of congress card, they run some security stuff, send you to another building, but then you can actually go inside it. My friend did that on another trip and I was so jealous that after I left he was going to head in. Luckily, there’s a viewing space on the third (?) floor where you can look down into it and take some pictures.
That’s not all though, the main entrance has a gorgeous painted ceiling, and there’s different displays/​events that they put out. I was lucky enough to be there for one on civil rights that was just… incredible. Videos, audio, huge photographs and prints of newspapers. Awesome. There was also a book exhibit I didn’t have time to see.
One of the coolest things is Thomas Jefferson’s personal library which is on the second floor at the back of the exhibit hall. The books are behind glass, but you can see them and read the spines. The sheer breadth of the topics he had was so cool to see. I admit, I totally nerded out in here. Great spot for a panoramic picture if you stand in the very center of the room.

Impressive! The place to be– It is the most beautiful library that I’ve ever seen in my life. Kadus to the staff for being so helpful and patient, specially with young researchers. If you are looking for a place to study, and do research and if you are in DC, you definitely need to visit this library. They have a rich collection of documents and all sort of databases that you can imagine.

If coming from the Capitol Building, be on the lookout for a tunnel that joins to the library, so you don’t have to go through security again and walk across the street outside.
Visited this library a few days ago and it is jaw dropping beautiful! The halls are amazing, it surely is the best looking library I’ve been in. There are musume like galleries that branches off, basically encircles the main hall. Make sure to check out each level. The top level has the observation area to view into the library.

This is definitely worth a tour/​visit if you’ve never been. I’d bet that the exhibits change around every once in a while, but this place is cool enough on its own for the ridiculous architecture and details.
I didn’t have much time, but being a little bit of a National Treasure nerd seeing the reading room was a MUST. I snuck in with the back of a tour that was going up into the viewing area and it’s amazing to see that round reading room. I think that by itself was worth my time. I really liked listening to the guide’s explanation of the stained glass windows and the different statues.
Anyway, very cool building and very much worth your time.

Cool exhibits, including Thomas Jefferson’s private library collection. The guided tour is very interesting. Interesting architecture and décor inside. You get to view the book collection, but you don’t get to actually walk around in it. Reserved for researchers. Touring the Library only takes about a half day, so you might want to check this out on the same day you check out the US Congress.
In case of rain or excessive heat or humidity, there is a way to take the employee tunnels through one of the southern Library of Congress office buildings and past the Rayburn HOB to a block away from the Metro entrance.

The Library of Congress is one of my favorite landmarks in DC. It’s right next to the Supreme Court and the US Capitol and has the best fountain in DC out front (It’s a mini Trevi fountain in Rome… VERY mini). Like all landmarks in DC, it’s free to go inside and view the beautiful architecture and the famous Reading Room. What’s also free (and only takes 5 – 10 minter total on a weekday) is to get a Library of Congress library card giving you access to the Reading Room. It’s good for two years and for a lifetime of bragging rights.

I am constantly amazed at all the free things to do in DC. Rather than let the tourists have all the fun exploring the city and getting to know the cool landmarks, I decided to join them. A visit to the Library of Congress has been on my to-​do list for a while, so I decided to not put it off any longer.
I arrived at the museum a few minutes before 1pm. Thankfully, the building was not crowded, so I had the opportunity to explore the place without feeling cramped.
I started on the second floor with a visit to the gallery overlooking the main reading room. This is as close as you’ll get to the main reading room without a reader card, but this view suited me just fine. The domed ceiling with its circular mural, stain glass windows, and bronze statues can only be appreciated from this vantage point.
My next stop was the mezzanine level to view the exhibits on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Thomas Jefferson’s original library. Both exhibits were interesting and informative.
I concluded my self-​guided tour with a walk around the mezzanine balcony and through the Great Hall on the first floor. There was so much to see, learn, and appreciate in this gorgeous building.
The paintings and sculptures in the building are all dedicated to literature, knowledge, creativity, or intellectual achievement. The LOC’s focus on learning and achievement is palpable. It’s so much more than a library. The building’s stunning architecture and informative exhibits are great reasons to check this place out!

Stunning interior! I have never stepped foot inside this gem before and I am so glad I did this time around.
It is worth walking in if even just to walk around and look at the ceiling and the molding and such. So beautiful!
They also have a tunnel entrance to the Capital! :)

Beautiful building with lots to learn. Unfortunately, not a place to check out books or anything (I think you need a reader’s card and a legit research reason).
The tour begins with a short video and then the information you potentially learn differs from docent to docent. Our docent, Adele, made it a point to say she likes to direct us to areas that are not as crowded. She pointed out different paintings on the ceilings as well as facts about the two Bibles that are on display. Adele was full of knowledge but in the one hour tour, I would say one criticism is not being able to hear her if I wasn’t standing directly in front of her. Often times, she’d look up and behind to point things out, and her comments were not well projected.
There’s also a replica of Jefferson’s library. As of two days ago, they are still short 200 books, and when I asked Adele how she knew this, she told me Jefferson kept a catalog before the great fire so they know which books go where and which are present.
Anyway, the LOC has an impressive collection of items with an even more impressive interior.

I can’t remember the last real book I read… it was either Angels & Demons or Fast Food Nation or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory… can’t remember… its been well over 5 years ago…
But even a stupid and unread American like myself can appreciate this «Library»… its more of a small beautiful museum than a library.

Before you enter the Library of Congress, breathe in a lot of fresh air. Because you’ll have your breath taken away more than once! (Not even exaggerating.)
There are countless buildings and museums in DC that are gorgeous, but Library of Congress definitely takes the cake. From the stunning architectural designs to the stunning details of the ceilings, your eyes will be dancing with joy the entire time you’re there.
Cool Facts:
— Library of Congress is the largest library in the world!
— It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the US
— It is open to the public (you have to apply for a library card), but only high ranking government officials can check out books
— Their collection fills about 838 miles of bookshelves!
Buildings inside the LOC:
— Thomas Jefferson Building
— John Adams Building
— James Madison Memorial
Snap a quick photo of the Reading Room. You won’t regret it. :)

The Library of Congress was definitely one of the top 3 highlights of my trip to D.C. I cannot wait to come back and experience this place again. There is so much history and beauty in this one building it is unbelievable. The LOC is the oldest federal cultural institution in this country. The collection contains more than 145 million items including being home to the largest collection of rare books in North America and the largest collection of 15^th century books in the Western Hemisphere. One of the most amazing things was being able to see the Guttenberg Bible on display in the Great Hall.
The LOC is truly one of the most beautiful buildings in D.C. At the front of the building, there is a fountain displaying The Court of Neptune. At the main entrance, there are three massive bronze doors. These doors represent Tradition, Writing, and Painting. The right hand door, Writing, has 4 figures depicting groups who influenced the world by written literature: an Egyptian, a Jew, a Christian, and a Greek.
The main entrance hall is called The Great Hall. The dome above the North lobby of the Great Hall’s stairway says: «Knowledge is power».
In the main reading room (which cannot be accessed unless you have a library card), 8 marble columns support 10 foot high allegorical female figures representing commerce, history, art, philosophy, poetry, religion, law and science.
At the building’s pinnacle, the «Flame of Knowledge» is gold leafed, as was the copper dome until the 1930s.
I highly highly highly recommend taking your time and observing every detail about this beautiful building. You could spend hours in here and still find something new every time.

I wasn’t sure what to expect at the Library of Congress.
* TIP — there are several buildings, the Jefferson Building is the main one and is obvious because of the classical architecture
But the building was absolutely stunning inside. Easily the best looking civic building on the mall. It was also great to see a copy of the Gutenberg bible and the Mainz (handwritten by 1 monk over 15 months) bible.
I signed up for the tour but didn’t stay. It went into a lot detail about the history of the building and architecture and I was more interesting in what books they had. Unfortunately you can’t see much outside of the bibles and a few exhibits. You can’t even go into the reading room. However, I did learn later that anyone can get a Reading Registration Card to wander as they like — bummer I didn’t know this earlier. The best part of the tour was the video at the beginning describing all the cool books they had — again bummer I couldn’t see any of them.

Heute ist unser letzter Tag in Washington und das hochsommerliche Wetter lockt uns ins Freie. Einzige Programmpunkte: Capitol und Public Library.
Wir sind erstaunt, wie entspannt man in den USA mit der Umgebung der öffentlichen Gebäude umgeht. Hätte man andernorts eher eine Bannmeile erwartet, toben hier auf de Grün vor dem Capitol ganze Trupps von Kindergarten-​Mäusen mit ihren Nannys herum.
Das Capitol gewährt, wie die Museen in Washington auch, kostenlosen Eintritt. Lediglich eine Sicherheitskontrolle müssen wir passieren, bevor wir unseren Besucherpass angeheftet bekommen und die Führung mit einem Film beginnt, der die Historie der Vereinigten Staaten aufzeigt. Anschließend nimmt uns Bill unter seine Fittiche und spaziert mit uns durch die Prachtsäle und –hallen des Repräsentantenhauses, während er Kurzweiliges und Besonderes zum Besten gibt.
Die «Library of Congress», so der offizielle Titel, kann man direkt vom Capitol erreichen und gleichzeitig sein sportliches Tagespensum absolvieren: einen Kilometer lang ist die unterirische Verbindung dieser beiden Zuckerbäckerbauten.
Zu deutsch ist die «Library of Congress» nicht anderes als eine öffentliche Bücherhalle, aber was für eine! Das Einzige was hier passt, ist das Wörtchen «Halle», denn wir befinden uns in einem wunderschönen venezianischen Palast. Marmor und Gold sind die vorherrschenden Materialien und Farben, prächtiger Stuck ziert die Decken und kunstvolle Holzschnitzereien die Türen. Wie soll man sich hier auf’s Lesen konzentrieren können…
Nun sind wir nicht in der Bücherhalle selbst, sondern schauen vom ersten Stock auf die enormen Wandregale voller Bücher hinunter und machen die eine oder andere Leseratte aus. Die haben sich in bequemen Möbeln unter gemütlichen Lampen häuslich eingerichtet.
Das Fotografierverbot ignoriere ich genau wie alle anderen!
Die Bücherei wäre für jedermann zugänglich; alles was es braucht ist ein Besucherausweis, aber dazu ist uns die Zeit dann doch zu schade.

Wir haben uns die LOC während der Wartezeit zur Führung durch das Capitol angesehen. Es hat sich rundum gelohnt!!! Es ist ein toller Bau mit sehr vielen, liebevollen Details der amerikanischen Geschichte. Es gibt in der 1. Etage einen Touchscreen, auf dem man sich die einzelnen Bedeutungen der Symbole oder Bilder erklären lassen kann.
Auf jeden Fall mitnehmen, liegt direkt neben dem Capitol Gebäude, schräg gegenüber des (Seiten-)Eingangs.

Even early morning this institution was packed to the rafters, as well it should be. Putting aside the historical texts and country-​defining documents contained herein, the architecture is breathtaking and taking into consideration the dozens of murals, circular windows and uniform arches this place is more analogous to French and Spanish opera houses than any old boring, modern-​day library.
In addition to free admission, the tour of the library was free and was the only way that I had the chance to see the main reading room without undergoing a 90 minute training session and their version of a library card (although any books or documents cannot be taken out of the reading room). The library carries almost 40 million books, a rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and the Gutenberg Bible (the first book made by a printing press in the Western world). I actually must return, since it has been described as the largest library in the world and two hours was likely not enough time to soak up the majority of the history present.