The main reading room is the principal point for gaining access to the library s general collections of books and bound periodicals.
Library of congress reading room access.
Please use the library of congress ask a librarian form.
This historic room is through its catalogs the primary entrance into the library s research collections and the principal reading room for work in the humanities and social sciences including local history and genealogy.
The library of congress lc is the research library that officially serves the united states congress and is the de facto national library of the united states.
Some reading rooms have supplemental registration procedures and or conditions of use some reading rooms require researchers to be 18 years of age.
Every day hundreds of books and bound periodical volumes are delivered from the stacks for use in the main reading room.
Congressional reading rooms the kluge center and various meeting rooms.
The library is housed in three buildings on capitol hill in washington d c.
It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the united states.
The starting point for researchers using the library of congress both on site and remotely via the web.
In 1972 it was named the microform reading room to indicate the variety of microformats in the collection that now numbers some six million pieces in hundreds of distinct collections.
The library of congress has actively acquired microforms since the early 1940s.
Access to library of congress reading rooms a valid reader identification card is the minimum requirement for access to the library s public reading rooms.
Every day hundreds of books and bound periodical volumes are delivered from the stacks for use in the main reading room.
The collection may be consulted by any adult engaged in serious research who presents a valid library of congress issued reader card and agrees to adhere to the division s rules for the use of rare materials.
Even lawmakers spouses can t walk into the congressional.
A separate reading room was established in 1953 for the custody and service of the library s general microform collection.
It also maintains the national audio visual conservation center in culpeper virginia.
Down a corridor inside the library of congress thomas jefferson building a code just for members of congress guards a special room.
Thomas jefferson building exhibition spaces selected areas serving special clientele.
Photo by michaela mcnichol.