Combine knowledge, family fun on literacy field trip to the Library of Congress

Thomas Jefferson Building, Library of Congress

One of the benefits of living in the Washington, D.C. area is the wealth of cultural and educational institutions. As National Library Week approaches, plan a family literacy field trip to one of the largest institutions on Capitol Hill - The Library of Congress. 

 

The largest library in the world, the Library of Congress houses millions of books, recordings, maps, photographs and manuscripts. In fact, the 2007 catalogue contained 138,313,427 items, almost all of which were available to the public for viewing. The Library of Congress also houses special exhibitions, international manuscript collections, the largest collection of rare books in North America (which includes over 100 extremely rare children’s books, a 1/25” by 1/25” copy of Old King Cole  whose pages can only be turned with a needle, and a 5’ by 7’ compilation of Bhutanese images), the world’s largest law library, audio-visual collections or recordings, photographs, and artwork, and the American Folklife Center.   The Library is comprised of three buildings, each named for a past American president:

 

Thomas Jefferson Building

1st Street S.E., between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street

 

James Madison Memorial Building (and the Library’s mailing address)

101 Independence Avenue S.E.
Washington DC  20540

 

John Adams Building

2nd Street S.E., between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street

 

Start at the Orientation Gallery for information regarding the layout of the Library, available collections and current exhibitions (also see the Library’s visitor guidelines for helpful tips). Hour-long tours of the Thomas Jefferson Building begin at 10:30 AM and run every hour on the half hour until 3:30 PM. 

 

If you prefer a self-guided experience, take in one or many of the Library’s interactive exhibitions:

 

 

(For a complete listing of exhibitions past and present, see the Library of Congress webpage.)

 

In addition to tours and exhibitions, the Library of Congress holds a variety of programs and events for the public. Most are free of charge and range from book discussions and classes to film screenings and concerts. Search the Library’s Program and Events page by date or category to find an activity for your family. 

 

The Library of Congress gift shop is located on the ground floor of the Jefferson Building, open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The shop offers items related to the Library’s exhibits and all proceeds support the Library of Congress. 

 

If you’re hungry, the Library houses one cafeteria, two coffee shops and two vending areas:

Library of Congress Hours of Operation 

Directions 

 

For more info: Visit the Library of Congress website.  Contact Ginny at thewritingwell(at)earthlink(dot)net.