Discover the best family adventures in Washington DC with a visit to the Library of Congress! The Library of Congress is an awe-inspiring visual showcase of immense beauty. Combine this with amazing collections of historically significant books and document. The result is a must-see stop on our Washington DC itinerary. Follow along as I break down everything you need to know to get Library of Congress tickets and plan your visit!
What Is The Library Of Congress?
Put simply, the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world! It was founded in 1800, making it the oldest federal cultural institution in the nation. The Library is comprised of 3 buildings. The Thomas Jefferson Building is the big main building. Then the John Adams Building and James Madison Memorial Building are used primarily for research. The Library serves as the research arm of Congress and is open for anyone 16 years or older to use.
Important Information
| Address | 10 First Street, SE, Washington, DC 20540 |
| Entrance Cost | All the Library of Congress’ buildings can be entered free of charge |
| Hours | The Thomas Jefferson Building is open from Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Timed Entry Tickets | Available online up to 30 days in advance |
| Entrance | Timed-entry passes will be scanned underneath the grand staircase at the visitor entrance on First Street SE between Independence Ave and East Capitol Street |
| Getting There | The closest Metro stop is Capitol South station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines |
How to Get Library of Congress Tickets
Advanced tickets are released 30-days in advance.
Tickets are often available for specific time slots. To reserve tickets, visit the Library of Congress’ website and navigate to their visitor services or tours section. There, you’ll be able to select a time and get your free ticket.
If you haven’t reserved tickets in advance, you can still check in at the Visitor Center for walk-up tickets. But there is typically limited availability.
How to Get Access to the Library of Congress Reading Rooms
There are many reading rooms throughout the Library of Congress, but tourists can only see the Main Reading Room from the overlooks during specified viewing times.
You can however, register for a Reading Room card and visit the stacks! To do this you only need pre-registering online and then obtain your card while at the Library. Once you store your coats and bags in the cloak room, report to the Reader Registration Station. Present your government issued ID and they will direct you to a room on the lower level. Here you take your photo and are issue your card
What Library of Congress Tickets Include:
First Floor: The Great Hall
After entering the Thomas Jefferson Building, you make your way into the Great Hall. This first room is awe-inspiring, featuring marble columns and staircases. It stretches over 3 stories tall with murals, statues, and intricate details that reflect themes of knowledge, literature and enlightenment.
Over top of the Great Hall is a massive dome, which serves a focal point.
Another impressive feature is the grand staircase, which leads up to the second floor.
What Library of Congress Tickets Include:
First Floor: Gutenberg Bible
A corridor off of the Great Hall leads to the Gutenberg Bible. It is believed the Bible was completed in 1455 by Johann Gutenberg in Germany. One of Gutenberg’s inventions was the first printing press to use moveable, metal type. This invention allowed for the mass production of books for the first time in history.
The Gutenberg Bible is stored in a special case maintains a consistent temperature with stable humidity.
What Library of Congress Tickets Include:
Second Floor: Thomas Jefferson’s Library
The British burned the Capitol and Library of Congress during the War of 1812. Since then, Jefferson’s personal collection of 6,400 books became the foundation of the Library.
His books are arranged according to Jefferson’s own classification system, which was very unusual at the time. He divided his library into categories like “General Works,” “History,” “Law,” “Philosophy,” and “Science.” There is also a section for rare first editions and important texts that Jefferson valued during his lifetime.
What Library of Congress Tickets Include:
Second Floor: Drafting Documents for the Declaration of Independence
This exhibit includes Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten draft of the Declaration of Independence. In this draft, you can see Jefferson’s handwritten notes and revisions to the important document.
What Library of Congress Tickets Include:
The Emancipation Proclamation
The exhibit centers around the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863, during the Civil War. It includes original manuscripts, historic documents, and artifacts related to the Emancipation Proclamation. You can see Lincoln’s handwriting, annotations, and signatures on the proclamation.
What Library of Congress Tickets Include:
Second Floor: The Reading Room
The Reading Room can be reach by viewing from the overlook on the second floor. Or you can register for a Reading Room card and exploring the entire room.
This is another amazingly beautiful room! In the dome above, there are 12 figures that represent different eras and their important contributions to western civilization. The 8 figures between the windows symbolize areas of knowledge. Around these are 17 bronze statues representing men famous for their contributions to each area.
The ground floor also contains a Kids Reading Room, which the girls loved!
The Family Verdict
Wow!!! The Library of Congress is so beautiful!!! The girls completed a scavenger hunt while we soaked in everything! I had heard the building was beautiful, but there are so many amazing details throughout the Great Hall. The unexpected winner of our day was the Library of Congress! I am still in awe of its beauty. Registering for a Reading Room card definitely added to the experience!
Make sure to check out our adventures at the White House, Washington Monument, Ford’s Theater, and the National Mall. Also, follow our complete adventures through Washington DC and at nearby Niagara Falls!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
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