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September 2024 by Alex Enrriquez
Spectacular experience and magnificent place
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September 2024 by Mara
This is probably the most beautiful building I've seen in my life. I can't wait to get a library card so I can go into the reading room.
Plus there is a volunteer there named Deb, who is very helpful and pleasant.
I am fortunate to have run into her.
There was another tall young woman with straight blonde hair who was nice too.
Some of the other employees are surly if you ask them a question.
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September 2024 by Jane Jing
It is free admission but you must reserve your time entry online and get your QR code handy for scan after the security check. When you get into main hall you will see the breathtaking structures. Impressive ceiling paintings, artistic mosaics. Especially the quiet reading room. I wish I have DC library Card. Definitely worth the visit. Highly recommend.
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September 2024 by Nick Britt
Been about ten years since I’ve been back to the library but this trip was great. Staff was friendly and being able to walk into the main reading room was amazing. The walk is quick so be prepared to be rushed in and out which is understandable since it’s being used for actual research. Highlight of the trip was when the librarians got on a couple for using flash and using the room as a model shot location. Went in September got the tickets about two weeks prior to visit with no issue.
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September 2024 by Kimberly Pham
We were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit the Library of Congress. It’s an impressive place, rich with history about its origins. Beyond the stunning interior design, it was fascinating to see books once owned by Thomas Jefferson. There are security checks, so having fewer belongings will help you move through more quickly. Additionally, there's a tunnel that connects to the Capitol Building, making it convenient to visit both. Since the tour is self-guided, be sure to ask one of the volunteers for more information; they can provide valuable insights into the building's history.
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September 2024 by Chris Bloomfield
They have Jeffersons library! A neat place to poke around for an hour or two.
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September 2024 by Leonardo Sarmiento
Incredible Public Library with neoclassical architecture and implementation of art and Americana (particularly in the Jefferson Building).
Tickets must be reserved online but typically are always available, even if you reserve just before you enter. You are also able to get a free Library of Congress card if you desire it.
The Library tends to host a diverse array of events and is incredibly close and accessible to the Subway and the many monuments nearby.
Overall an outstanding place to visit in the DMV area.
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September 2024 by Katrina W
Wow, wow, wow! This place has been on my bucket list for decades for many reasons. I was so excited to be able to finally visit, and I was not disappointed. The building itself could proudly stand next to the finest and oldest in Rome or Paris; it's that beautiful. I felt like I was standing in the Vatican Museums, not in a place built barely 200 years ago in the US.
I loved the photo exhibition, a bit more modern piece of American history to contemplate.
The only complaint would be the amount of people that were allowed inside. In theory, you need to book a timed ticket in advance and they are limited. In practice, it felt like they were still way too many people to enjoy it in peace.
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September 2024 by Prasad Kaladi
I recently visited the Library of Congress, and it was an awe-inspiring experience. The sheer size and scope of the collection was mind-boggling. I spent hours exploring the various exhibits, from the Thomas Jefferson Building's grand rotunda to the smaller, more intimate galleries.
One of the highlights of my visit was the Great Hall, with its towering ceilings and intricate murals. I was particularly impressed by the Thomas Jefferson Room, where the original manuscript of the Declaration of Independence is housed. It was a surreal experience to see such a historic document up close.
The Library of Congress offers a wealth of resources for researchers and scholars, but even for casual visitors like myself, it's a fascinating place to explore. The sheer beauty and grandeur of the building, combined with the rich history it represents, make it a must-see for anyone visiting Washington, D.C.
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September 2024 by Ted Batycki
Wow, this was way cooler than I expected. The architecture and detail is among the most beautiful buildings I've had the pleasure to see. An absolutely wonderful free place to visit.
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August 2024 by Mohamed Gasim
Amazing..
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August 2024 by Andrea Rezza
This one was one of the highlights of my trip.
Free entrance, but need to reserve a time slot. Once you are in you can explore as much as you want. Amazing artpieces like the Gutenberg's Bible, relics from Lincols's pocket from the nignt he was assasinated and just so much more. Beautiful european inspired sculptures, mosaics and paintings. The great hall and the reading rooms are both worth visiting
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August 2024 by Tom Ford
This is a library by name, but you're definitely visiting for the exhibits, artifacts, and the architecture more than the books themselves.
They've done a great job of making it a destination to visit and keeping the actual library part separate for those who aren't just a tourist passing through.
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August 2024 by Ati Gurcay
I am PhD student. I was lost here. I want nothing more in this life to do research here. The main reading room is to die for. Get your tickets online for free. They don't let you bring any backpacks or water bottles inside. You may have to coordinate well in case you have stuff with you. If you want you can get a membership card. It takes a bit but if you fill the online form it is not that hard.
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August 2024 by Ron - Ocala Florida
Come prepared to stand in two separate lines. One outside to get in, and another inside to see the actual library. The second is the longest.
To avoid the long inside line, you can walk up a staircase to the upper level and look over the balcony down on the actual library. The balcony is about 20 feet long, and, with all of the other visitors choosing this option, you may have a problem getting a good view.
There is a lot of history to take in and the architecture is overwhelming. Outside of the above, you should put this on your bucket list.
