Library Of Congress

WOW…so beautiful. Amazing.

I am hoping to visit the library next weekend! I can’t wait!

My brother works here, and gave us a private tour of the Library, taking us places the public doesn’t see. It was the high point of our trip.

At the information desk in the Library of Congress, they gave my son and I directions to the next building through the tunnel under the street. We had to go there to get a library card – you have to have a card to get into the reading room! It was a very long walk and the process was quick, but detailed – had to have ID, they take your picture. At the entrance to the reading room, they stopped us because my son wasn’t 18, but she let us in for a minute. I slipped into the stacks just to take a book or two off the shelf, glance at the table of contents and slip it back. I could have spent so much time there. Apparently, you need a reason to be at the library – researching family history, for example. Since then, I’ve got some things to look up there for the next time!

Odd that there are only two books out of millions that you can actually see, but worth it if for nothing other than checking out the over the top ornateness and the allegorical meanings. Also, check out the cell-phone based self guided tour.

Great resource, matches only British Library, London

Get a library card here!

Millions and millions of books…need i say more?

Easy to work there? Nope!

I like more cosy libraries with open stalks…

I was looking forward to visiting the LOC the least of all the places we were scheduled to visit, but it turned out to be a lot cooler than I expected. It was beautiful inside and made for some great pictures. Definitely check it out.