Library of congress?

Question

how old do you have to be to be able to get in? i have a guide book from 2001 which says you have to be 18 to get into the reading room

true?

Answer 1

From the LOC Web site:

"By taking free guided tours offered several times a day you can see both the Great Hall and, from the Visitors' Gallery located just off of the Great Hall, you will be able to view the Main Reading Room from above."

"The Library of Congress is a research library, and books are used only on the premises by members of the public. Anyone age 16 and older may use the collections. All patrons using the Library's reading rooms and/or collections must have a user card with a photo on it. User cards can be obtained at the reader registration station in Room LM140 of the Madison Building by presenting a driver's license or passport and completing a brief self-registration process."

So, to tour the sections of the Library (Jefferson Building) open to the public there is no age limit. However, to gain access to the collections or Main Reading Room you must be 16 years-old or older and obtain a user card at the Madison Building (across Independence Avenue).

Answer 2

I just checked the web site. It says you can use the reading room if you're of high school age.