Carli
Carli
Visiting the Library of Congress should be at the top of your DC tour bucket list. The best time to visit, with the most access, is during Live at the Library.
What is Live at the Library?
Live at the Library is a special weekly event that allows extended visitor access to the Library of Congress. Each week has special events such as speakers, live performances, and special screenings. The event also features a happy hour with a cash bar in the Great Hall.
What can you see during Live at the Library?
There are many things to see and do during the Live at the Library event. Like a regular daytime admission, you will have access to the incredible architecture of the Great Hall. You’ll also be able to walk through the special exhibits and view the Thomas Jefferson book collection that founded the Library of Congress. You’ll have access to see one of the most coveted spaces in all of Washington, the Reading Room.
Find a calendar of upcoming Live at the Library events here.
Visiting the Library of Congress Reading Room
The most unique thing about Live at the Library is that you are able to take a very quick tour of the famous Library of Congress Reading Room. Outside of Thursday nights, the Reading Room is only open to the general public 2 hours a week. All other times, an extended use of the room requires a special research pass. This is a very limited opportunity to see one of the most beautiful spaces in all of Washington D.C.
You must wait in line to visit the Reading Room. If you arrive right at the 430 opening, visit the Reading Room first, as the line gets very long by 6pm. You will find the entry on the lower level of the Great Hall, adjacent to the Gutenberg Bible. Before entering you will need to store any backpacks or large bags in a cubby. Once your group enters you have 3-5 minutes to walk around the center of the Reading Room.
If the line is too long, there is an accessible balcony upstairs that provides a quick glimpse into the room and the incredible domed ceiling above.
When is Live at the Library?
Live at the Library takes place every Thursday evening from 4:30 until 8pm. During the event, tickets are open admission to arrive at any time during that time period. Lines can get long as the night progresses, so I strongly recommend arriving as early as possible.
When is the Library of Congress open?
Outside of the Live at the Library, the Library of Congress is open 5 days a week.
Library of Congress Hours
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
- Wednesday: 10am to 5pm
- Thursday: 10am to 8pm
- Friday: 10am to 5pm
- Saturday: 10am to 5pm
How do you get tickets to Live at the Library?
Whether you’re attending a Live at the Library event or plan to visit the Library of Congress at another time, you must have a ticket reserved in advance for that day and time.
Tickets are available up to 30 days in advance, but they can sell out quickly, especially during busy tourist times. However, additional tickets are released every day starting at 9am. If you go onto the ticket site right away in the morning, you will have no issue getting a same day ticket.
You can reserve your free tickets here.
Where is the Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress is located on Capitol Hill, next to the Supreme Court, and directly across from the United States Capitol Building.
How to get there?
There are many easy ways to get to the Library of Congress.
Walking:
From the National Mall, it is a leisurely 20 minute walk which you can extend by walking through the National Botanical Garden. You’ll also walk along the south side of the Capitol Building and have the opportunity to view the east entrance up close.
Metro:
The nearest metro station is the Capitol South Station, which includes the Blue, Orange and Silver metro lines. It is a 5 minute walk from the metro station north to the Library of Congress.
Bus:
If you are bus savvy, there is a bus stop with multiple bus lines directly across the street from the south side of the building.
Driving:
I highly encourage you not to drive in Washington DC if you don’t have to. If you are too far to walk or take public transportation, then I recommend you use Lyft or Uber to get around the city and avoid driving in traffic and finding parking.
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