Research and Reference Services
Library of Congress collections and research tools

Main Reading Room. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, D.C., Carol Highsmith, photographer

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.

Upcoming Hour Changes: Beginning Monday, April 6, the Library of Congress will modify the evening public service hours and associated reference services within three reading rooms. The new service hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours in these reading room will remain 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours in the Library’s other reading rooms are not affected. These new hours will effect only the following research centers: Main Reading Room (includes Local History & Genealogy Reference Services and Microform & Electronic Resources Center); Science and Business Reading Room (includes Business Reference Services and Science Reference Services); and the Newspaper & Current Periodical Reading Room. View full news release