Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Library of Congress, the nation's largest library, is accessible and open to the public. The Library has taken many steps to provide accommodations and universal design features to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

See this page for a list of accessible entrances.

Yes. Please refer to the information and schedules at this page.

We strive to make all of our tours accessible. We provide sign language interpreters for our docent led tours when requested.

Please contact the ADA coordinator by mail, phone or email: ADA Coordinator, LM 623, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20540-2530, email ada@loc.gov, phone (202) 707-6362.

Yes. Please request Assistive Listening Devices in advance of a program by contacting (202) 707-6362 or ada@loc.gov.

Many types of assistive technology are available through the Library's Assistive Technology Demonstration Center. Please contact us in advance to determine a match between your research plans and your accessibility needs. For more information, go to this page.

The resources of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), which, in cooperation with a network of regional libraries, provides a free library service to persons who are unable to use standard printed material because of visual or physical disabilities, are available by contacting the NLS Reference Section at (202) 707-9275. The Reference Section will provide the telephone number of the nearest cooperating library and answer eligibility questions. For additional information, go to this site.

Yes. The Library has accessible rest rooms as indicated by signs in each building. In the Madison Building the accessible rest rooms are in the blue (Northwest) and yellow (Southeast) corridors of the building.

In the James Madison Memorial Building, near the Independence Avenue entrance.

Wheelchairs are available on a first come first serve basis from the Visitor Services Office in the Jefferson and Madison buildings.

The cafeteria, on the sixth floor of the Madison Building, is accessible and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. An accessible coffee shop on the Ground Floor of the Madison Building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Employment Office number is (202) 707-5627 (voice). Please review the information about employment at the Library of Congress. Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for special consideration. Please follow the job procedures listed on the vacancy announcement and submit. For further information contact (202) 707-6362 or ada@loc.gov.

Access via Metrorail is on the Blue, Silver, or Orange lines, Capitol South station. All Metro stations have elevator service and trains are accessible. The Library's Madison Building has an accessible entrance near the Metro station on the Northeast corner at First and C Streets SE. Please note that this entrance is one block traveling up a hill from the Metro elevator; and that the accessible ramp is over 100 feet long). Another accessible entrance to the Madison building is on Independence Avenue between First and Second Streets, SE. It is two blocks from the Metro elevator (traveling uphill). For accessible bus transportation, please contact Metro.

The Library's policy is that no parking is available to members of the public, including people with disabilities. The Library does not have any public parking available, including accessible parking. For additional information visit the directions page.