Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building — Local services in Washington

The Library of Congress (LC) is the research library that officially serves the United States Congress and is the de facto national library of the United States. It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. The library is housed in three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.; it also maintains the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center in Culpeper, Virginia. The library's functions are overseen by the librarian of Congress, and its buildings are maintained by the architect of the Capitol. The Library of Congress is one of the largest libraries in the world. Its "collections are universal, not limited by subject, format, or national boundary, and include research materials from all parts of the world and in more than 450 languages."

The library's primary mission is to research inquiries made by members of Congress, carried out through the Congressional Research Service. The library is open to the public, although only high-ranking government officials and library employees may check out books and materials.

The Library of Congress, through both the librarian of Congress and the Register of Copyrights, is responsible for authorizing exceptions to Section 1201 of Title 17 of the United States Code as part of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. This process is done every three years, with the Register receiving proposals from the public and acting as an advisor to the librarian, who issues a ruling on what is exempt. After three years have passed, the ruling is no longer valid and a new ruling on exemptions...

The Thomas Jefferson Library of Congress Building, a treasure trove of knowledge and history, left an indelible impression during my visit on a serene weekday. While the entrance typically requires a timed pass, the compassionate security officer graciously allowed us access, recognizing our long journey to experience this iconic institution.

Stepping inside, we were immersed in the intellectual legacy of one of America's founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson. His vast collection of books showcased the breadth of his curiosity and intellect, offering a glimpse into the mind of a visionary leader.

A highlight of our visit was witnessing the awe-inspiring Gutenberg Bible, a rare and priceless artifact that marked a significant milestone in the history of printing and knowledge dissemination.

The Library of Congress Building stands as a testament to the enduring importance of preserving and sharing knowledge, inviting visitors on a journey through centuries of human achievement. This enriching experience reaffirmed the vital role libraries play in our society and the boundless power of ideas that shape the course of...

Don’t miss this stunning building! It truly was the highlight of our DC trip. (After seeing the library of Congress, the Capitol was a little underwhelming). Unbelievable that so much beauty and detail was put into this building. We were just amazed at the history and architecture that adorns its halls. It’s primarily self guided, but be sure to stop and talk to the museum volunteers to learn about how and why it was made. You need a timed entry to get in, but many seemed able to get a pass fairly readily at the entrance. So don’t let that discourage you from a potential visit. If you are having to pick and choose what you see while in DC, don’t take this one off your list! We will be...