Minerva Mosaic in the Great Hall

Back to Guided Tours

The Library offers a variety of guided tours for reserved groups with at least 10 participants, including students fourth grade and above. First-time visitors should reserve the introductory tour to learn about the Thomas Jefferson Building and the history of the Library. Other tour themes are also available. All tour requests are based on docent availability.

If you have a group smaller than 10, please check the public tour schedule on the Event Calendar.

Student Tours

Student group guided tours must have one chaperone for every eight students. The LOC Box field trip program for fourth to sixth graders requires one chaperone for every six students. Chaperones must accompany students at all times and maintain order.

Schedule a Group Tour

Please submit your tour request at least two weeks prior but no more than three months in advance. Dates and times for tours are dependent on docent availability. You will receive confirmation once your group has a reservation.

Request a group tour of the Thomas Jefferson Building or of a major exhibition

To reserve one of the following tours for a group of 10 to 25 people, please e-mail us at vso@loc.gov.

Special Notes for Tour Groups

All docent-led tours must begin on time. Groups must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time in order to pass through security. Groups arriving late may find their volunteer docents no longer available.

To ensure that your group’s visit goes smoothly, please review the Library’s Guidelines & Tips for Visitors before coming to the Library.

Professional Visitor Programs

If you have a professional purpose for visiting the Library of Congress, please submit a request for meetings through the Professional Visitor Program. Professional visitors include Library Science students, librarians, IT specialists, and others working in a library related field.

For those interested in research at the Library of Congress, please visit the Research and Reference Services page. To register as a researcher, please visit the Reader Registration page.