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Notice: US Capitol Police have updated the prohibited items list to enter the Library of Congress beginning on July 14, 2025. More.

Research Centers

Use the Library

Welcome to the Library of Congress, your gateway to knowledge. Use our vast digital resources from anywhere or visit our specialized research centers in Washington, DC, to dive deeper. We are here to support your journey, no matter your level of experience. At the Library of Congress, everyone is a researcher––let's explore together!

Research Anywhere, Anytime

Two men, possibly librarians, stand in bookstacks at the Library of Congress Research Guides Explore our subject and collections guides.
Cowboy wrangling bull with white horse running alongside. Digital Collections Access hundreds of free digital collections.
A person reading a book kneeling in front of a card catalog. Catalog Search the Library's online catalog for information on much of our collections.
Men with pickaxes and women and children gathering oysters at coast. Finding Aids Use finding aids to understand collections throughout the Library.
Inventor Charles S.L. Baker and another man, possibly Baker's brother Peter, standing behind heating (radiator) system. One man is holding a knob that is attached to two wires. Tutorials Watch video tutorials designed to provide brief introductions to research centers and common researcher tasks.
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Visit the Library for Research

Building Access Directions and what to expect at the Library.
Reader Registration/Library Card How and where to get your library card.
User Policies What you can do and bring!
Hours for Research Hours vary by research center. Find them here!
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Location

Library of Congress
Thomas Jefferson Building
10 First Street SE
Washington, DC 20540
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Hours

All research centers are open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. Evening and Saturday hours vary by research center. All research centers are closed on Sundays and Federal Holidays.