Library of Congress

United States Capitol featuring a city, heritage architecture and an administrative building
Library of Congress
United States Capitol which includes a city, an administrative building and heritage architecture
Library of Congress
Library of Congress


In its dedication to the written word, this building is the pinnacle of everything literary. Visit this treasury showcasing the world through writing.

Washington, D.C.’s Library of Congress is the world’s largest library. With books and manuscripts from every part of the world, the amassed collection numbers more than 167 million items and grows by about 12,000 items every day. Tour this building to be awed by humanity’s literary contribution to society.

Visit the stately Italian Renaissance-style Thomas Jefferson building, built in the 19th century, the first building of three comprising the library complex on Capitol Hill. The other structures, John Adams Building and James Madison Memorial Building, were built in the 20th century.

Spend time viewing ongoing exhibits, including a popular one about baseball. The Law Library of Congress, the world’s largest law library with over 2.9 million volumes, contains valuable publications dating back to the birth of the nation.

Not only is the Library of Congress massive, it’s also the oldest federal cultural institution in the U.S. Imagine the horror when the original library, housed in the Capitol building, was destroyed by fire in 1814 by British troops during the War of 1812. A year later the core of a new library was established with procurement of President Thomas Jefferson’s personal library.

It wasn’t until the last half of the century, after the Civil War, that work began on constructing a new library, which opened in 1897. The rapidly increasing importance of the library took it beyond being mainly a depository for government publications and documents to the role of a public institution. Today’s digital world also has the library as a key player in national and world digital libraries. View a portion of the collection that includes the largest and smallest books, the former measuring 5 feet by 7 feet (1.5 meters by 2.1 meters) and the latter about the size of the period at the end of this sentence.

Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building is located on First Street, within sight of the Capitol building. It is closed Sundays and certain holidays. Admission is free, with self-guided and 1-hour conducted tours available. Use the walkway that connects the library with the Capitol to avoid double security checks.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Washington Plaza Hotel
YOTEL Washington DC

YOTEL Washington DC

4 out of 5
415 New Jersey Ave Nw, Washington, DC
YOTEL Washington DC
citizenM Washington DC Capitol

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

4 out of 5
550 School St SW, Washington, DC
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Capitol Hill Hotel

Capitol Hill Hotel

4 out of 5
200 C St SE, Washington, DC
Capitol Hill Hotel
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

3 out of 5
550 C St SW, Washington, DC
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

4 out of 5
400 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

3 out of 5
400 E Street SW, Washington, DC
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

3.5 out of 5
627 H Street NW, Washington, DC
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Library of Congress

The Library of Congress offers a rich cultural experience, with nearby attractions including art galleries, shopping venues, and theatres. For those seeking adventure, consider joining a bike tour to explore the area or visiting an adventure park for some outdoor fun. Make the most of your trip by immersing yourself in the vibrant activities Washington has to offer.

Shopping

Only 1.3km from the Library of Congress, Union Station Shopping Center offers a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment and family-friendly options. CityCenterDC, located 1.6km away, provides a bustling shopping experience, while Union Market, 3.2km away, showcases local businesses in a city vibe. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring more distant shopping destinations.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Capital One Arena, perfect for catching a thrilling sports event just 1.6km away from the Library of Congress. For musical entertainment, head to the Howard Theatre, located two miles away, where you can enjoy live performances in a historic setting. Indulge in luxury at the Cosmos Club, three miles away, offering an exclusive retreat for relaxation and socialising.

Adventure

Explore the East Potomac Tennis Center, situated 3.2km from the Library of Congress, for a thrilling game. Venture to Battery Kemble Trailhead, 9.7km away, for scenic hiking. Alternatively, enjoy more tennis at Rock Creek Tennis Center, 8.0km from your base, all within a vibrant adventure atmosphere.

Nightlife

In Washington, the Anthem offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of culture and romance, perfect for an entertaining evening. Nearby, Regal Gallery Place showcases the latest films, while Ford's Theatre combines history with entertainment, providing a unique family-friendly night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Library of Congress

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or seeking a family-friendly experience, the Library of Congress and its surroundings offer a variety of attractions. You can explore memorials, historic civic and government buildings, and urban parks, all of which provide a rich insight into the city's heritage. With numerous points of interest to discover, your visit promises to be both educational and enjoyable.

  • National Mall: A vast expanse of greenery and monuments, the National Mall offers a blend of adventure and scenic beauty. It's the perfect spot for leisurely strolls, picnics, and appreciating America’s history through its iconic memorials.
  • White House: As the residence of the U.S. President, the White House is steeped in history and culture. Visitors can admire its stunning architecture and explore the surrounding gardens, soaking in the significance of this historic civic building.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: A hub for business events, this venue showcases modern architecture and facilities. It’s an excellent place to experience the vibrant business culture of Washington, D.C.

Best time to go to Library of Congress

The best time to visit Library of Congress is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Library of Congress

To save money on your visit to the Library of Congress, plan your trip between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Fridays tend to be the least expensive days for stays, while Tuesdays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter your preferences and sort by price to find the best deals. Consider booking package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Additionally, utilise public transport options like the Metro, which can be a cost-effective way to navigate the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Library of Congress are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Library of Congress is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Library of Congress is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation near the Library of Congress with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia