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Accessibility at the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is committed to being a leader and a role model of accessibility. We strive to make every visitor feel comfortable by ensuring your visit is as easy as possible and free of barriers. Here at the Library, we recognize and appreciate the diversity of the general public. For this reason, we offer several programs and multiple options of ways to access our incredible collections.

Accessibility at the Library of Congress


National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

The updated and expanded website of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) helps the organization fulfill its mission of providing free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents reading or holding the printed page.

Explore the NLS website

Touch History Tours

The Library of Congress launched a new way for visitors with visual impairments to experience the Thomas Jefferson Building. Touch History is an accessible tour that brings building details to life for visitors through their sense of touch.
Find out more about Touch Tours

Interpreting Services Program

The Interpreting Services Program (ISP) is housed within the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity. The ISP provides support operations that enable the Library to fulfill its mission of providing accessibility for deaf staff, patrons and visitors. The ISP is also available to assist managers, supervisors and employees with reasonable accommodations to work with their Deaf/hard of hearing employees. In addition, the ISP coordinates captioning services for live/broadcasted events, and ensures major film screenings will be captioned for universal access.

ADA Coordinator

Katherine Noethe
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator
Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave., SE
Washington, D.C. 20540
phone: (202) 707-6362
email: [email protected]