Research Appointments - Library of Congress (original) (raw)
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The Library of Congress welcomes researchers to its reading rooms and research centers. Whether you are a long-time researcher or are embarking on your first research project, the Library’s reference staff are committed to making your visit a success. We’re excited to welcome you at one of our 17 reading rooms/research centers. Remember, the Library of Congress is your library! Learn more about Research and Reference Services.
Planning a Research Visit
- Appointments are optional, but encouraged to serve you best, ensure collection material is accessible during your visit and optimize your time at the Library.
- Request a research appointment by clicking on the reading room you plan to visit below and completing an online form. Library staff will confirm the date and time of your scheduled appointment.
We encourage appointments at least 24 hours in advance, but walk in appointments are welcome. We reserve a small number of seats for optional appointments. If the optional appointments are all booked, researchers may still utilize the Reading Room as walk-ins.
- You’ll need a reader’s card in order to access the reading rooms or use the collections. Get a new reader card, if you don’t have one, or renew your reader card, if yours is expired. Pre-registration should be completed online. Information, locations, and more on how and where to register.
- You can get started on your research from home by browsing our catalog, exploring our research guides, or through Ask a Librarian.
reading-rooms-list
Onsite Research at the Library of Congress
Appointments are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Evening and Saturday hours vary by location; consult the hours page for specifics.
Main Reading Room
The Main Reading Room in the Thomas Jefferson Building is the principal reference and book service point for the Library's general collections. If this is your first time researching at the library or researching general topics, this is the place to start.
Need to request materials before you arrive for your appointment?
Make an Appointment for the Main Reading Room
All Reading Rooms and Research Centers
African & Middle Eastern
American Folklife Center
Asian
European
Geography & Map
Hispanic
Law Library of Congress
Manuscript
Moving Image
Performing Arts
Prints & Photographs
Rare Book & Special Collections
Recorded Sound
Main Reading Room
Science, Technology & Business
Serial and Government Publications
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Have a question? Need assistance?
View FAQs or use our online form to ask a librarian for help.
ada
Researchers requiring an ADA accommodation for their visit must make a request at least five business days before their planned appointment by contacting [email protected] or (202) 707-6024.
Researchers can also continue to access many Library resources remotely through loc.gov, Ask a Librarian and Congress.gov. The Library’s Research Guides and Story Maps offer curated content for online research.