How do I access the library's digital collections?
The Library's freely-available digital collections and online catalog are accessible to all users via the Library of Congress website.
How can I volunteer at the Library of Congress?
Be a virtual volunteer! Help transcribe Library of Congress documents. Volunteers create and review transcriptions to improve search, access, and discovery of these pages from history. Learn how to volunteer. Anyone can contribute! No account needed! Type what you see on the page.
What is the library's e-resources online catalog?
The Library's E-Resources Online Catalog provides access to the Library's subscription databases for onsite users only, but also features a number of freely-accessible digital resources selected by Library staff that may be used by offsite users.
Can I access the Library of Congress online?
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.
Can anyone access the Library of Congress?
Who can use the Library and check out books? The Library of Congress is a research library, and books are used only on the premises by members of the public. Anyone age 16 and older may use the collections. All patrons using the Library's reading rooms and/or collections must have a reader card with a photo on it.
How do I get access to the Library of Congress?
Cards are free and can be obtained by completing a registration process and presenting a valid driver's license, state-issued identification card, or passport. Researchers must be 16 and above years of age at time of registration. Questions should be directed to 202-707-5278.
Can I bring my laptop to the Library of Congress?
Researchers are allowed to bring the following items with them: a coat and/or sweater, sports jacket or similar garment. a purse or pocket book smaller than 9.5" x 6.25" a laptop computer.
Is Library of Congress open to public?
The Library of Congress has re-opened its doors to visitors with free but limited timed and ticketed entry for a limited number of days and times. Library-sponsored on-site public programs and public tours are not available at this time.
Can you just walk into a Library?
Anyone can just go in and read a book there of course. Usually once you are a member you will be allowed free, timed access to computers and the internet too, if they are available, so its handy for sending those messages home.
Is it worth visiting the Library of Congress?
The library is home to more than a staggering 164 million items including photos, records, maps, books and much, much more. There is also the museum to explore and with some incredible exhibits on display in the Thomas Jefferson Building.
Is Library of Congress free?
The Library of Congress is free and open to the public with timed-entry passes. An individual can reserve up to ten timed-entry passes per day.
Is the Library of Congress the biggest Library in the world?
Statistics. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world with more than 173 million items. View detailed collection statistics.
Can you eat in the Library of Congress?
Several food service areas are available in the Library of Congress buildings on Capitol Hill. Two dining and food service areas are located in the James Madison Memorial Building, one in the John Adams Building.
Can I use laptop in Library?
Laptops can be borrowed for in-library use only. Laptops can be borrowed for up to two hours.
Can you borrow a book from the Library of Congress?
Any domestic or international academic, public, or special library may borrow from The Library of Congress. Our lending policies are governed by the National Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States (from ALA) and the International Lending and Document Delivery (from IFLA).
Is it worth visiting the Library of Congress?
The library is home to more than a staggering 164 million items including photos, records, maps, books and much, much more. There is also the museum to explore and with some incredible exhibits on display in the Thomas Jefferson Building.
Can you study at Library of Congress?
I strongly encourage anyone in town for an academic conference to take a few hours for studying at the Library of Congress Main Reading Room. Some spaces are just conducive to writing and the Main Reading Room is one of them.
Can you borrow books from the Library of Congress?
Any domestic or international academic, public, or special library may borrow from The Library of Congress. Our lending policies are governed by the National Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States (from ALA) and the International Lending and Document Delivery (from IFLA).
Be a virtual volunteer!
Help transcribe Library of Congress documents. Volunteers create and review transcriptions to improve search, access, and discovery of these pages from history.
Brothers in Arms
Celebrate Black History Month and transcribe documents related to African American military service from the Revolution to WWI.
Is the Library of Congress online?
Access to the Library of Congress Online. The Library's freely-available digital collections and online catalog are accessible to all users via the Library of Congress website. The Library's E-Resources Online Catalog provides access to the Library's subscription databases for onsite users only, but also features a number ...
Can I sign up online to use the Library of Congress?
Yes. It is possible to pre-register online for a Reader Identification Card, but the process must be completed in person at the Library.
