Please note: Individuals do not have permission to borrow directly from the Library of Congress. You must go through your public library or university library in order to borrow from us.
The Library of Congress provides access to a wide array of resources, both on-site as well as online. E-books, or electronic books, are texts that can be viewed or downloaded to be read digitally.
(The Library of Congress is making many of its online files, such as its card catalog and other information sources, available online. Various files are available through the Internet, the LC News Service and America Online, a commercial service.
According to Huber, the most frequently stolen library books are the Guinness Book of World Records, which is a favorite around our house, and The Bible.
Personal Belongings in Research AreasComputers larger than laptop size. Containers larger than 9.5" x 6.25" (includes paper bags, boxes, backpacks, shopping bags, sleeping bags, etc.) Food and/or Drinks (includes bottled water); Food or drink containers. Handbags or purses larger than 9.5" x 6.25"
Each tour lasts 1 hour and takes place every day, except Sundays. Tours depart from the ground floor information desk.
Admission to the Library is free and no tickets or reservations are required for admission. Visitors are welcome to visit the Great Hall and exhibitions at their own pace using available printed materials or to participate in a guided tour (see below).
The oldest written material in the Library is a cuneiform tablet dating from 2040 B.C. The Library's African and Middle Eastern Division has a collection of Sumerian cuneiform tablets; the oldest date from the reign of Gudea of Lagash (2144-2124 B.C.).
TIMED ENTRY: Every Library of Congress visitor, regardless of age, must reserve timed-entry passes in order to maintain safe capacity levels in the Thomas Jefferson Building. Please bring your digital or printed pass to be scanned with a touchless device when you arrive at the Library.
Beginning July 15, general visitors can reserve Timed Entry Passes for access to the Thomas Jefferson Building Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Library of Congress Reading Room Hours.
| Reading Room / Reference Center | Monday-Friday | Saturday |
|---|
| Main (LJ 100) § | 9:30a-12:30p; 1:00-4:00p | 9:30a-12:30p; 1:00-4:00p |
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with more than 164 million items on approximately 838 miles of bookshelves.
Some students who need extra support might find even the teacher-curated resources on the site challenging. Bottom Line: The Library of Congress delivers the best of America's past and present, and with teacher support it could be a reliable research resource for students.
American Treasures of the Library of CongressTop Treasures
- Declaration of Independence.
- Mason's Declaration of Rights.
- George Washington's Commission.
- Constitution of the United States.
- Washington's First Inauguration.
- Jefferson's First Inauguration.
Apply online (or fill out and print the paper application) and then present a valid photo ID in-person at any SFPL location to receive a library card. The Library does not issue library cards online; you must visit in-person. People ages 13-18 can show valid ID or have a parent / guardian sign.
Statistics. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world with more than 170 million items.
Library of Congress Control Numbers (LCCNs) are record identifiers assigned by the Library of Congress to bibliographic and authority records. First established when the Library began printing catalog cards in 1898, these unique identifiers are assigned to records created when materials arrive at the Library.
The U.S. Copyright Office increased its registration filing fee to $45 for each application, effective July 1. Fees also increased for document recordation, supplementary registration, search services, certifications of records and additional certificates.
