Using the Library of Congress

You should!  Your tax dollars pay for it. 

Step One:  Check out the Library of Congress Online Catalog to see what they’ve got.

Step Two:  Take the MetroRail to Capitol South, and you’ll be across the street from the library – just go a little bit uphill.  You can also get off at Union Station and walk five blocks south, if you want to stay on the Red Line.

Step Three:  Enter the Madison Building (the very modern-looking one) and register for a Reader Card.  The reader registration room is just past the security gates – hang a quick left.  You’ll need to bring a valid driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or passport.

Step Four:  Walk across the street to the Jefferson Building (the very grand, historic looking one, with the fountain in front), and head to the Main Reading Room.  Here you can fill out a call slip for the book(s) you’d like to use (go to the center kiosk), and a staff member will retrieve your items for you.

Since the library is a quiet place, they won’t announce when your item(s) are available.  Just keep an eye out to see when they’ve been placed on the desk.

Note:  You can’t check books out directly from the Library of Congress.  If you’d like to look into obtaining materials for use at home, please use the Inter-Library Loan Request Form.

More information for researchers about using the Library of Congress.

It’s also worthwhile just to go sightseeing at the Library of Congress!  The main reading room is a gorgeous environment to read in.  Gifts and souvenirs are available in the Jefferson building, if you’re thinking of presents to send back home!