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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Museums

Library of Congress

The world's largest library and the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States, serving as the research arm for Congress with a massive collection of millions of items.

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Library of Congress
www.loc.gov, og_image_www.loc.gov

What is the Library of Congress known for?

It is the largest library in the world and the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. It serves as the research arm of Congress and the de facto national library of the United States.

How many items does the library hold?

The library contains approximately 173 million items, with some sources citing over 178 million items in 470 languages and others noting it has grown to more than 181 million items.

Where is the Library of Congress located?

The main address is 101 Independence Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20540. Its main facilities are housed in three buildings on Capitol Hill, adjacent to the U.S. Capitol.

When was the library founded?

The Library of Congress was founded in 1800.

What types of materials are in the collection?

The collection includes millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts, as well as prints, drawings, sheet music, and audio recordings.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress stands as the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. It began its journey with a modest collection of 740 volumes and three maps, eventually evolving into the de facto national library of the United States. Today, it serves as the primary research arm for Congress, providing objective research to inform the legislative process. Located on Capitol Hill, the institution's main facilities are distributed across three buildings adjacent to the U.S. Capitol. The main address is 101 Independence Ave., SE. Beyond these central hubs, the library utilizes the Packard Campus in Culpeper, Virginia, along with other off-site storage facilities to house its staggering growth. As the largest library in the world, the collection is immense, containing approximately 173 million items. This vast archive spans 470 languages and includes a diverse array of formats such as manuscripts, maps, photographs, prints, drawings, sheet music, and audio recordings. In addition to its role as a repository of knowledge, the institution administers the national copyright system. The scale of the library is a testament to its role in preserving global history. From its origins over two centuries ago, it has grown to hold more than 181 million items, ensuring that a nearly exhaustive record of human thought and creativity is preserved for future generations.

Visitor tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the three main buildings on Capitol Hill are expansive.
  • Plan your visit around the U.S. Capitol since the library is located immediately adjacent to it.
  • Allow at least two hours to appreciate the scale of the collections and the building interiors.

Nearby context

The Library of Congress is centrally located on Capitol Hill, situated immediately adjacent to the U.S. Capitol, making it a primary stop for anyone exploring the heart of American government and legislation.

Sources

Evidence and links