I have frequently written about the Library of Congress in the past, which is unsurprising in that it is a) and important institution here on the Hill, and b) a place I spend a fair bit of time, both as a tour guide and as a researcher. While you can get in as a visitor at any time, the main reading room is generally closed to the public. However, twice a year, they open it up for tours, once in the Spring, once in the Fall. And today’s the lucky day. So get over there between 10:00 and 3:00 to see the main reading room in all its splendor. In the meantime, here are a few pictures.
The Library of Congress building dates to the late 19th Century, when there was no longer room for it in the Capitol Building. (RSP)
The part of the building you can see is only part of the story. Much of it is underground – including most of the books. (RSP)
A detail of the main reading room. For the full effect, you’ll have to see it for yourself. (RSP)
My favorite part of the tour is the card catalogs, which have been preserved, although all the information has been transferred to an electronic version (RSP)
The best part of the library? Anyone can get a card there. You can’t check out any books, but almost all of their collections are available for reading in the library itself. (RSP)
So – go check it out yourself. Details above.
Actually, only one level of the Jefferson Building is underground, and very little of it is collections storage. Most of the collections are in several levels of shelving on the north, east, and south of the Main Reading Room and on either side of the Rare Book & Special Collections reading room. There are areas of storage on a couple subterranean levels in the Madison Building.