The Library of Congress is a fun and interesting place for kids and families. Go on tours, visit exhibitions, use the interactive kiosks and the Passport to Knowledge, and visit the Young Readers Center. Whatever the age, the Library has many fun activities to offer!
Activities for Kids & Families
Thomas Jefferson Building Tour
Take a free walking tour of this magnificent building and learn about its history, art and architecture, and the work and history of the Library of Congress.
During peak visitation periods, the Library offers family tours ideal for kids aged six to fourteen. Family tours are scheduled based on docent availability and number of families present. Reservations are not required. Find out if a Family tour is being offered by asking at the desk in the Jefferson Building, Ground Floor.
For the full public tour schedule, check the Event Calendar.
Young Readers Center
Open a book and you open the door to a new world. The Young Readers Center (Room LJ-G29), a place designed especially for young people, welcomes children, teens and adults. Here you can bring your child to read books or participate in a story time (suitable up to age eight). The Center is open Mon. to Fri. from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
About the Young Readers Center
Self-Guided Tours
- Get the Virtual Tour App (external link) on your iPhone to learn about the Jefferson Building and its permanent exhibitions. Or, take an online tour from your computer.
- Pick up a Passport to Knowledge as you enter the Jefferson Building, then use the interactive kiosks there to collect items that interest you. The Passport is your tool to connect with the Library onsite and online. You can see your “collection” myLOC.gov.
- What are the Jefferson Building highlights? (PDF, 1.36MB)
- Featured highlights
Exhibitions
Timely and Timeless: New Acquisitions of Cartoon Art is on display September 15, 2011–March 10, 2012.
View it online
Walk through the exhibitions on display at the Library of visit the online exhibitions
Activity Sheets
Print this activity sheet and take it with you to complete at the Library.
Spot the Hidden Animals in the Thomas Jefferson Building (PDF, 192 KB)
Accessibility
The Library buildings are fully accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are provided at the Jefferson Building ground floor information desk.
