Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections. The Library is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.

The mission of Library Services is to develop qualitatively the Library's universal collections, which document the history and further the creativity of the American people and which record and contribute to the advancement of civilization and knowledge throughout the world.

Take a free one-hour walking tour of this historic building and learn about its history, symbolic art and architecture and the Library’s history and work. Or take a guided tour on a specific topic or of a Library exhibition; themes range from music and performing arts to U.S. history and culture. 

The library hosts temporary specialty art exhibitions.