Twice each year, the Library of Congress opens its magnificent Main Reading Room for a special public open house. The winter open house will take place on the federal Washington’s Birthday holiday (Presidents’ Day). Visitors will be allowed to take pictures and tours. Reference librarians will be available to demonstrate the Library’s online resources and discuss access to the Library’s vast on-site collections, including services and collections for use in family history research.
The Main Reading Room is located on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building. Unreserved guided tours of the building will be offered at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Public tours, which are limited to 40 people, are designed to accommodate individuals and families, not large groups.