Library of Congress Review

HOURS are incorrect!!! Please fix!!! Amazing building, must see. TOURISTS 830 am - 430 pm. Researchers refer to loc.gov website.

I live in DC and was very excited to go to the library. I walked around for about 30 minutes within and between buildings because it wasn't clear from the outside (or the inside) which building I wanted to be in to get a library card and read. I had to take numerous elevators because they weren't labeled and didn't all go where one wanted. Someone who was counting the number of people who wanted to just view the reading room questioned what I was researching when I asked where to get a card (maybe I'm wrong and I will look into this further but I thought all people could get cards and read). When I finally got to the place where I could get a card, I was told to get in line - there were 6-8 people sitting and looking like they'd sat for a while. I asked the guard if there's always a line and he said he wasn't here all the time so he can't say. So I asked him when he was here, was there always a long line? He said he wasn't always here so he couldn't say. And then he ignored me.
The great Hall is nice; there are many museum rooms. But good luck if you want to actually enjoy/use the library.

If you live in DC, I'd highly recommend getting a readers card. In addition to excellent source material, this place is an experience. Remember, backpacks and coats must be checked at the door.

Got to enjoy the free tour they offer. Very interesting, with lots of facts and figures but it was so noisy sometimes that it was hard to hear the volunteer guide.

The Library of Congress is considered as the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. While its exterior architecture is stunning, the inside is just as grandeur and beautiful.

The paintings on the ceiling are incredible and you have plenty of time to spare, read the quotes on the walls and ceilings.

Crazy long lines, seemed like every school in America was having a collective field trip when I visited. Was still nice. Not hour long wait nice but was worth a visit.

This is amazing! Great amount of history. Restrooms are on the lower level. Make sure to go in all the different wings.

Beautiful. Reading room is magnificent but some guy walking around whispering ," I am the hamburglar". Got to keep bill Clinton out of here.

If you have time to visit only one building in DC, go to the Library of Congress. You are not allowed to enter the actual library portion without a membership however the interior of the building is beautiful.

Definitely worth the visit. The collections are great, as well as the architecture. What tops it all of is the tour guide, who tells you about how they came about their first books.

Amazing building, but hard to navigate (only if you take the tunnel from the Capitol Building). Worth viewing the reading room. The corridors are relatively pointless (some exhibitions). The children's reading room is a complete waste of time.

As many times as I'd been in DC, I never visited the Library of Congress. I'll need to go again to finish the tour.

A must see if you are visiting Washington DC. Iconic old building with architecture and artwork that will amaze. Be sure to walk through the underground tunnel from the US Capital Building to save a bit of time and to get out of the weather.

nice library, great selection of books and do not forget to get your free library card!

Secret treasure of D.C. People might not bother to check out the Library of Congress thinking it's just a library. Frankly they would be missing out in one of the best experiences D.C. has to offer. It's not crowded like many of the other museums. And you know what, the LoC is truly a museum, more than it is a library, for most of us who are not scholars or looking to do research. Be sure to set aside a few hours to come visit this hidden treasure! And it was the site of the filming of "National Treasure" probably one of Nicholas Cage's better endeavors!

This is a perfect history palace to be. Everyone is available to get in anytime they want to, need to, whatever they prefer to have discovery about this ancient museum place . It's very cool to have miracle items to check things out. It's fully recommended to everyone whichever interested in historic equipment for their education needs. Visitors, Citizens, Immigrants, Tourist, travelers, experts, Families, student, everyone else enjoy this museum.

Absolutely stunning architecture. Security to get in the building, and tours offered. The building itself is just beautiful, and the interior was design to perfection. They hold the collection of George Washington s 6000 books he initially donated to start the library, all of which look in mint condition. So awesome to experience. Must see if in the area.

BEAUTIFUL architecture! It's much bigger in person and makes you feel very small. We were going to skip the Library of Congress on our list of things to see in DC but I'm so glad we did not and highly suggest checking it out!

When you Google the hours, you'll see that it closes at 9:30. We traveled all to waste our time, all to realize that it remains open till 9:30.... for researchers only!

The place really closes at 4:30 for the general public. They need to update this misinformation on their Google listing, so people like me don't waste their time later in the day. Disapointed!

Incredibly overwhelming and probably a place you can spend your entire life.

One of my favorite spots in DC. Their services are wonderful, and they have an amazing collection of books. It's the largest library in the world. They also have interesting exhibits throughout the year.

Simply the most beautiful place we visited in Washington DC. We got a tour, the best you can do, so you don't miss anything. Every paint, every phrase have an explanation. We got a library card to enter the main reading room. It was More

Don't expect to see much of the famous reading room. Also beware that during peak times there can be long lines moving through the (excellent) exhibits.

Exquisite architecture and architectural elements, even the floor mosaic work should be looked at. Love to spend time reading books there So beautiful. A must see.

The Library of Congress was opened in 1800 and contains more than 38 million books, so someone who wants to read them all must have more than one life.

First off, I would suggest coming when it opens at 8:30. You get the whole tourist area to yourself and several other people. You won't have to wait in lines or dodge people. The building is beautiful. The architecture and building materials are top notch. The library has many interesting exhibits and artifacts. My personal favorite is the full Guttenberg Bible they have. It's one of the few last remaining full Guttenberg bibles left in the world. I would definitely recommend coming to the Library of Congress.

This stunning building is a must see for those visiting DC

Once you are in the congress, look for the tunnel to the library, it is a direct exit and you do not need to leave. Take the guided tour as they will explain you much better the history of this great place. The tour is free. If you want you can also walk alone during the visit.

Highly recommend visiting this place. I enjoyed getting to see all the exhibits here and even visiting the Main Reading Room, which is absolutely breathtaking. Free to visit, courteous staff, and plenty to see. Getting a reading card is easy and free if you wish to do research as well.

Epic library - biggest one on the world. Never got a chance to see the whole building as it is massive, but Thomas Jefferson's library itself was impressive.

Absolutely stunning and profound in the written messages on the second floor...secrets of the foundations of our nation rests in those words...my favorite building in washington.

Library of Congress. Even though we had a lot of things to see, we had not finished touring because we always stopped at the congress tour.

Never expected such a great information and collection from this library, I was more than amazed with the whole place!! It's something people don't visit much but it should be mandatory. At least stay there for hour and half

I love world big library of Congress its reasons so i like library of Congress

Fantastic building. Much beautiful on the inside than on the outside. The exhibits are also fine

An all around breathtaking building. A must if visiting D.C. Recommend a free tour if you are interested in facts, but can drag on. Easy and worth getting a library card downstairs as it allows you access into the main reading room, and they are valid for 2 years.

So beautiful. The reading room is a great event location for an intimate event.

Too bad you can only see from a small balcony on the first floor and the view is not the best; in any case, it is sufficient to realize the splendor of this reading room.

A good solid library for the Congress and it s huge and beautiful. I was amazed at the structure from the outside and inside. You have to pass through metal detectors before going inside. You do not need to have a scheduled tour to see it. There are some stairs in the back where you can go up to see the whole library. The place is clean, and they sometimes have other exhibits available to see.

I feel like they could have done more with some of the spaces. Looking at the baseball exhibit wasnt that appealing. Learning about womens suffrage was nice. Then when you leave they check your bag

Such an amazing building. We spent so much time in here just observing all the amazing architecture. I highly reccomend making a stop here if you are in town. Dont be intimidated by the line to go up to view the library. It moves fairly quickly.

Stunning, lavish, enduring preservation of our foundations of democracy

Stunning architecture and classic interior. Competes with the best in Europe. A must see!

Beautiful place! So much history and art and knowledge here. Definitely go on a guided tour here, since the guides are so knowledgeable.

This is an absolutely beautiful space. I recommend going on the hour-long tour before exploring the exhibits. Also, schedule several hours at least - we went on the last tour of the day and did not have time to return to the exhibits during that trip.

Library of Congress is must to see. If you want to see library of congress from inside it is possible. The trick is to request the reader card (free of charge, only fill in security form). Whole process can be done in 5-10min and allow you walk in the library.

another must visit! very beautiful library and decor!

Absolutely beautiful and often overlooked/forgotten about. Worth a visit if you're nearby!

The Library of Congress is a really neat place to visit in D.C. However, to get into the actual library, you need a reader's card. They don't allow general visitors to just waltz into the library, so if that is something you want, make sure to get a readers card before you go. Otherwisely, you can look above the library from a balcony and observe from there.

It is easy to get into this building from the Capitol on the transition. This is where one of the largest libraries in the world is located. In addition to a huge collection of books, the building is of architectural value, moreover, it is quite comfortable to be inside, there are places for work and leisure. The library catalog is also on its website.

The interior architecture is incredibly ornate and beautiful.

Absolutely magnificent. This was hands down my favorite place in DC. The exhibits were great, the art was incredible and the history that lives there is remarkable.

This was a really beautiful library with amazing exhibitions too! There was a tour running and I kinda joined in halfway through, the guide was incredibly friendly and informative.

What do you like about Library of Congress? Great to see. Many very good exhibits like Jefferson's library. Make sure to see the collections of rare bibles.

The library building is very grand
Inside are portraits and writings of various artists, and the symbolism of the sculpted babies is significant and the mosaic murals from Italy are impressive.
Guide continues politely and in detail

Truly a beautiful library. The interior is amazing!

I thought the Library might be boring, but it was the most beautiful building we got to see on our trip. It's definitely worth the trip over, even just to see the interior.

It was a part of free Capitol tour.
Really like that place.

Looking for answers start at the Library of Congress. If you can't go there in person you can send your question to the librarian who will answer you in a day or so. You can get everything from here except legal advice.
Your question will be answered in just about every possible way and you will be pointed in direction or several where you can learn more on your own.

Being a total bibliophile with a degree in Information and Library Sciences, this had been on my wife s top 10 list. She is to this place what Sam was to the Citadel in GOT. I was personally moved by the beauty and architecture. Lots of cool and unique books, Gutenberg s bible but I found the History of Curse Words hysterical. I laughed like a 10 year old.

Sprawling library right next to the Capitol building. Taking one of the free tours is highly recommended; you learn a lot and can explore afterwards. If you are over 16 and have your ID, you can even get a library card!

Worth the visit. The biggest draw is the architecture, but there is also a bit of history/learning opportunities that are well presented.

It is a very interesting place. I would recommend that you arrive at the entrance right as it opens. The lines usually back up about 30 minutes after it opens, so arriving there early may save time. It is right across from the United Sates Capitol; and just down the street is the United States Botanical Gardens. Overall, a very nice place with very informative exhibits.

One of my favorite places to stop by when in D.C. Architecture is wonderful and there is often some cool exhibit going on. I got to see copies of the Gettysburg address when it came by. Also tip for those wanting to actually enter the main reader room: You can get a library card made at a specific office allowing you access.

This place is some kind of wonderful Who knew it was so fabulous inside. This is a must see for any trip to Washington. It is so unusual, beautiful, and way more than a library. Make sure to take the docent-led tour.

This website is the worst. It does not give me the information that I need, even though it advertises that it does. Do not use this website, it is a waste of your time.

Stunning. Grand. Amazing!!

The building is marvelous! Colors and architectural details are everywhere, it's overwhelming.

When I visited, there was an awesome exhibit on sketches drawn by court reporters from noteworthy trials and cases.

A must see. Go immediately!!!

We scheduled our tour through our congressional representative and it was well worth the effort. The docent who conducted our tour was wonderful and extremely knowledgeable. The building is beautiful.