Main Reading Room (Library of Congress)

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The Library of Congress >> Researchers

Main Reading Room (Researcher and Reference Services Division)

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Notice: Appointments are optional, but encouraged. To help us better serve you, request a research appointment to ensure collection material is accessible during your visit at the Library. The Library of Congress asks all visitors to follow our COVID-19 health screening protocols, which are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Office of the Attending Physician of the U.S. Capitol. For additional instructions, see the Researcher Scheduling page

About the Main Reading Room: The Library's principal reference and book service point for the general collections.
Local History & Genealogy Reference Services: The Library has one of the world's premier collections of U.S. and foreign genealogical and local historical publications.
Main Reading Room Reference Collection: About the 56,000-volume general reference collection on the Main Reading Room's open shelves.
Microform and Electronic Resources Center (LJ-139, the former Computer Catalog Center): The Library's principal service point for searching the online catalog, subscription databases, CD-ROMs, and the Internet.
Virtual Programs & Services: Ask questions about the Library’s digital collections; browse electronic guides and bibliographies to the Library’s digital resources; and view a variety of webinars and video conferences.

Learn the library's staff and material resources, the reader ID process, and experience all that the library has to offer. A transcript of the above video is available.

See how easy finding what you want can be by using subject headings and a helpful librarian. A transcript of the above video is available.

Location:
101 Independence Ave. SE
Thomas Jefferson Bldg
Room LJ 100
Washington, D.C. 20540-4660
Telephone: (202) 707-3399
Contact Information
Map showing location

Hours:
Monday-Thursday:
8:30am -8:30pm
Friday, Saturday:
8:30am - 5:00pm
Closed Sunday &
Federal Holidays

Ask a Librarian
Want to ask the reference staff a question about the general collections?

Information for Researchers
Find out about research orientations, reader registration, online and card catalogs, how to request materials and other Library policies.

Bibliographies and Guides
Full text published guides for the Library's general collections. View our latest additions: guides.loc.gov

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The Library of Congress >> Researchers
June 27, 2023

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