When is Library of Congress open?
Mon closed; Tue–Wed 10 AM–5 PM; Thu 10 AM–8 PM; Fri–Sat 10 AM–5 PM; Sun closed. Hours checked on 4 November 2026.
54° · Mostly clear nowBest time: 10 amThings to do in Washington, D.C.
LibraryCapitol Hill
Library of Congress
- 4.83.9k reviews
- Free
- Closed now
World's largest library; the Jefferson Building has an ornate Great Hall, exhibits, the main Reading Room overlook and free tours.
Quick answers
Library of Congress in short
When is the best time to visit Library of Congress?
It's at its best mornings and afternoons. Wedar also scores every hour of the next five days against the forecast; see the best time on this page.
Is Library of Congress indoors or outdoors?
Indoors: a good pick when it rains.
Is Library of Congress good for kids?
Yes, it welcomes children.
How much does Library of Congress cost?
It's free to visit.
Do you need to book Library of Congress?
Booking ahead is a good idea.
More questions (3)Fewer questions
How long do you need at Library of Congress?
About 1.5 hours.
Where is Library of Congress?
101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540.
Is Library of Congress wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility: hearing loop, wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking.
Status, rating and hours checked on 4 November 2026; kids, cost, booking and setting verified by the Wedar team. Where our data comes from
Right now · 7:45 am
Why it fits right now
Closed right now.
Opens today 10 am.
In its favour
- Best in the morning
- Indoors
Worth knowing
- Book ahead
54°
Mostly clear
- Feels
- 54°
- Rain
- 0%
- Wind
- 3mph
- 8am
55° - 9am59°
- 10am63°
The next five days
Best time to go
Scored on the forecast, its opening hours and when it's at its best. Tap a time to see it.
9a9 am12pNoon3p3 pm6p6 pm9p9 pm
TodayToday
TmrwTomorrow
FriFriday
SatSaturday
SunSunday
Before you go
Plan your visit
Hours
Closed now- monday
- Closed
- tuesday
- 10 AM–5 PM
- wednesdayToday
- 10 AM–5 PM
- thursday
- 10 AM–8 PM
- friday
- 10 AM–5 PM
- saturday
- 10 AM–5 PM
- sunday
- Closed
Hours checked 4 Nov
Where and how
- 1 Library of Congress
- 2 Folger Shakespeare Library · 3 min
- 3 Folger Theatre · 3 min
- 4 Dos Toros · 4 min
- 5 US Capitol Grounds · 5 min
Good to know
- Indoors
- Free to visit
- Book ahead
- Allow about 1.5 h
- Step-free entrance
From visitors and the venue
What it's like
4.8from 3.9k reviews
Known for
- Great Hall
- Main Reading Room
- Exhibitions
- Free tours
Around Capitol Hill
Nearby
Within about a 15-minute walk.
Folger Shakespeare LibraryLibrary · 3 min walk
Folger TheatreTheatre · 3 min walk
Dos TorosMexican · 4 min walk
US Capitol GroundsPark · 5 min walk
On nearby
For the next three hours
What to wear to go there now
Jacket until 9 am. Light layer from 9 am.
JacketUntil 9 am
Light layerFrom 9 am
It's indoors, so this is for the trip there and back.