Library of Congress

National Geographic picked in 2009

Country : United States of America

Currency : US Dollar

Big Mac Index : 5.15

Travel Safety : Low Risk

The Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and the largest library in the world. It is located in Washington D.C. and serves as the research arm of Congress. The Library of Congress is home to millions of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other items that document the history of the United States and the world. Getting There: The Library of Congress is located at 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540. The easiest way to get there is by metro. The Capitol South metro station on the Blue and Orange lines is the closest stop to the Library of Congress. The station is just a few blocks away and there are several signs pointing the way. Things to See and Do: - The Thomas Jefferson Building: The Thomas Jefferson Building is the original home of the Library of Congress. The building is a masterpiece of architecture and is open to the public. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building and see the beautiful reading rooms, rotunda, and exhibition galleries. - The Main Reading Room: The Main Reading Room is the heart of the Library of Congress and is open to researchers and the general public. Visitors can sit and read in the room, which is lined with bookshelves and has a stunning dome ceiling. - The Jefferson Exhibition Hall: The Jefferson Exhibition Hall is located in the Thomas Jefferson Building and features a rotating exhibition of items from the Library's collections. Visitors can learn about the history of the Library of Congress and see rare books, manuscripts, and other items. - The Americana Exhibition: The Americana Exhibition is located in the Thomas Jefferson Building and features a wide range of items from the Library's collections that document the history of the United States. Visitors can see books, maps, photographs, and other items that tell the story of America. Getting Around: The Library of Congress is a large complex, with three buildings on the Capitol Hill campus. The Thomas Jefferson Building is the main building and is open to the public. The John Adams Building and the James Madison Memorial Building are also open to the public, but they mainly house offices and reading rooms for researchers. The Library of Congress provides maps and brochures to help visitors navigate the complex. When to Visit: The Library of Congress is open to the public Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on Sunday and on federal holidays. The best time to visit is during the weekdays, when there are fewer visitors. Summer and weekends can be crowded, so plan accordingly. Tips: - Plan ahead: The Library of Congress is a large complex and it can take several hours to see everything. Plan ahead and make sure you have enough time to see everything you want to see. - Dress for comfort: The Library of Congress is a large complex and there is a lot of walking involved. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. - Take a guided tour: The Library of Congress offers guided tours of the Thomas Jefferson Building. These tours are a great way to learn more about the history of the Library and see some of the most important parts of the building. - Check the website for updates: The Library of Congress website has a calendar of events and updates on exhibitions, so be sure to check it before you visit.

Photo - By Carol M. Highsmith - Wikipedia