Genealogical research at the Library of Congress (LOC) can be both exciting and overwhelming for beginners. As the world’s largest library, the LOC holds a vast collection of materials useful for family history – including more than 50,000 compiled genealogies and 100,000 Local histories in its holdings. Unlike archives that house original birth or marriage certificates, the LOC is a treasure trove of published sources, historical records, maps, newspapers, and guides that can provide rich context and clues about your ancestors. Many of these resources are available on-site in Washington, D.C., and an increasing number are digitized for free access online through the LOC’s website and affiliated platforms.
Visiting the Library of Congress in person gives you access to physical collections and expert assistance that can greatly advance your genealogy project. Here are some of the most useful on-site genealogical resources and materials you can find at the LOC:
Family Histories and Genealogies: The Library’s genealogy section includes tens of thousands of published family histories compiled by genealogists or family members. These books often trace the lineage of a particular surname or family, sometimes going back to Old World origins. You can search the catalog by family name to see if a genealogy has been published (for example, “Smith family”). Many of these volumes are available in the open stacks of the Main Reading Room or can be requested. The LOC’s vertical files (file cabinets of loose notes, pamphlets, and ephemera) on specific family names are another on-site resource – staff have collected miscellaneous research notes, newspaper clippings, and pamphlets by surname, which can provide unexpected leads. These compiled genealogies and family files are a great starting point to see what research may already exist on your family.
Local Histories and Biographical Collections: The Library of Congress holds an extraordinary collection of Local and county histories from across the United States – over 100,000 U.S. Local history volumes. These books (often published in the 19th and 20th centuries) cover towns, counties, and regions, and frequently include biographical sketches of early settlers and prominent citizens. Such profiles can be gold mines for genealogists, as they may list an individual’s birth date, parents, spouse, children, and migration story. For example, a county history might contain a paragraph about your great-great-grandparent’s family if they were early residents. The collection also includes state historical society publications and other regional histories. Often, an index or table of contents can point you to family names of interest. These Local history books are generally available on-site (some in the open reference section, others by request) and many have been digitized or excerpted in LOC’s online catalog or other databases (always check the catalog record for a “Digital Available” link).
U.S. Census Schedules and Vital Record Indexes: While original census records and vital certificates are typically held at the National Archives or state offices, the Library of Congress provides access to these crucial genealogical sources through microfilm and databases. The LOC’s Microform Reading Room has microfilm copies of U.S. federal census population schedules for 1790–1940 (the census taken every ten years) which you can read on microfilm machines. If you prefer digital access, the Library also offers on-site access to subscription databases like MyHeritage, where you can search census records by name. Similarly, for vital records, the Library has many published indexes and abstracts: for example, books indexing early town birth/marriage/death records, or the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) genealogical abstracts of Bible records and cemeteries. These resources help you locate birth, marriage, death, and cemetery information in the absence of the actual certificates. Keep in mind that the LOC does not hold modern vital records – those must be obtained from government offices. But the LOC’s guides can show you what’s available and where.
Historical Newspapers and Periodicals: Old newspapers are essential for genealogy (for obituaries, marriage notices, Local news items, etc.), and the Library of Congress has one of the largest newspaper collections in the country. On-site, you can access millions of newspaper pages on microfilm from all over the United States, often spanning the 1700s through the twentieth century. The Newspaper & Current Periodical Reading Room provides microfilm readers to view these reels. For example, you might scroll through an 1880s newspaper from your ancestor’s hometown to find a death notice. The library’s newspaper collection is extensive, so check the Chronological and Geographic Lists or ask a librarian to see if the LOC has the paper (and year) you need. In addition to newspapers, the LOC holds many genealogical periodicals – journals published by genealogical and historical societies. Titles like The New England Historical and Genealogical Register or National Genealogical Society Quarterly are available, containing compiled research, case studies, and record abstracts that might mention your surnames. These periodicals can be found either in bound volumes or on microfilm. An on-site visit allows you to browse these publications and even make photocopies or scans of relevant pages.
City Directories and Telephone Books: City directories (the predecessors of phone books) are another key resource available at the Library of Congress. The Library has an extensive collection of city directories from U.S. cities and towns, some dating back to the early 19th century. City directories were usually published annually and list residents and businesses, often with addresses and occupations. They can help you track an ancestor’s location between censuses or identify relatives living nearby. Many directories are on microfiche or microfilm and can be requested in the Microform Reading Room. The LOC also collected many telephone directories from the 20th century for cities nationwide (especially mid-century decades). These can be useful for more recent genealogy (for example, finding an address for your family in the 1970s). A reference librarian can help you navigate the directory collection; often, printed inventories or the catalog will list what years are available for each city. Directories are great for confirming addresses, occupations, and even finding other family members.
Cadastral map, PittsburghMaps and Land Records: The Library’s Geography & Map Division holds over 5 million maps and atlases, including many of great interest to genealogists. Among these are land ownership maps (cadastral maps) from the 18th and 19th centuries which show property boundaries and often names of landowners on each plot. If your ancestor was a farmer or landowner, these maps can literally put them on the map – you might find their name labeling a piece of land in an 1850s county map. The LOC has an entire series of county land ownership atlases, especially for the eastern and midwestern states. Additionally, the collection includes Sanborn fire insurance maps (detailed maps of cities and towns) that can show the exact lot and building where a family lived (useful for urban ancestors). On-site, you can visit the Map Reading Room to request these maps. Many are large and hand-colored, and staff will provide them for your use on tables. The Library’s map collection is international, so you can also find old country maps, battlefield maps (Civil War maps if your ancestor’s property was near a battle, for example), and plat books. Many maps have been digitized, but on-site you can access high-resolution versions and expert cartography librarians to assist you.
Manuscripts and Personal Papers: In addition to printed material, the Library of Congress houses a vast Manuscript Division full of original historical documents – personal letters, diaries, business records, and more. While most Manuscript Division collections relate to famous individuals or events (presidents, Congress, etc.), they can still be very valuable for genealogists. You might discover that a historical figure’s papers contain references to everyday people (for instance, a plantation owner’s papers listing enslaved ancestors, or a Civil War officer’s diary mentioning soldiers). The LOC has family papers for certain prominent families, and even things like family Bible records or genealogical notes that were donated as part of manuscript collections. An example is the genealogical notes found in the Frederick Douglass Papers – a researcher interested in Douglass’s lineage or associates might find those informative. On-site, the Manuscript Reading Room staff can help you request boxes of unpublished documents to review. Keep in mind you often need to register and follow special rules for handling manuscripts (pencils only, etc.). But seeing an original 19th-century diary or letters mentioning your ancestor’s community is a uniquely rewarding experience made possible at the LOC.
Photographs and Prints: The Library’s Prints & Photographs Division contains millions of historical images – portraits, town views, architectural photos, etc. While you might not find a labeled photograph of your specific ancestor (unless they were notable), these collections can provide visual context for their lives. For example, you could find a late 1800s streetscape photo of the city where your ancestors lived, or a family portrait that, while not your family, shows what life looked like in that era. The LOC’s Free to Use and Reuse: Genealogy digital set highlights some genealogy-related images like decorative family trees and family register forms). On-site, you can access high-quality image files and sometimes original photographic prints. One resource for genealogists is the collection of Farm Security Administration (FSA) photos from the 1930s-40s, which include everyday American families (for instance, homesteaders in Pie Town, New Mexico, captured in vibrant color). If your family lived in a rural area during the Great Depression, there may not be a photo of them, but there could be one of a neighboring family or the general area. These images can enrich your family narrative. The Prints & Photographs Reading Room has catalogs and computer stations to search for images by topic or place; librarians can assist in finding and obtaining copies. Don’t forget to also explore the LOC’s historic illustrations and drawings, such as the 1880s “Family Record” charts where ancestors used to record births and marriages (one beautiful example from 1888 is a blank family tree chart adorned with an apple tree and family scenes. Such items, even if not filled out by your family, give insight into how families recorded genealogy in the past.
Online and Digitized Resources Accessible Remotely
You don’t have to be in Washington, D.C. to take advantage of many Library of Congress resources. The LOC has made a wealth of material available online for free, and it also partners with other platforms to extend access to genealogical information. Here are key online resources to use from home:
Library of Congress Digital Collections: The LOC’s website hosts a variety of digitized primary sources useful for genealogy. You can browse the Digital Collections portal by format or topic. For example, the LOC has digitized many historic maps, newspapers, photographs, and personal papers, and these are accessible on the web. The Library highlights that its digital collections include historical newspapers, land ownership maps, and even personal letters/diaries, all available for free viewing online. This means you might be able to read an original 1850s county map or an old family photo album from the comfort of home. Some notable digital collections for genealogists include the George Washington Papers and other Founding Fathers’ collections (which might mention ordinary citizens), the Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives collection (transcripts of interviews with former slaves, valuable for African American lineage research), and the Veterans History Project (20th-century oral histories of veterans, which could include your relatives’ stories if they participated). The Digital Collections page allows you to search by name or keyword across these collections – try searching a surname or a town name to see if it appears in any digitized item. If something relevant is found, you can view high-resolution scans and download them. Keep in mind that not every item in the LOC’s physical collection is online (in fact, only a fraction is digitized), but the amount is growing. Always check the catalog record; if a digital copy exists, the record will usually have a link saying “Available Online” or “PDF/Image available”. Many public domain genealogy books and Local histories in LOC’s collection have been scanned and can be read on the Internet Archive or Google Books – the LOC catalog often links to these when available.
Chronicling America – Historic Newspapers Online: One of the most valuable online resources provided by the Library of Congress (in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities) is Chronicling America, a free searchable database of digitized U.S. newspapers. As a beginner genealogist, you can use Chronicling America to find news articles about your ancestors, such as obituaries, marriage announcements, probate notices, or community news. The collection currently includes newspapers from 1789 to 1963 from dozens of states. The interface allows you to search by keywords (e.g., a name or place) and filter by state and date range. Because it’s a Library of Congress project, it’s completely free – no subscription needed. For instance, you might search for your great-grandfather’s name in Missouri newspapers between 1900 and 1920 and discover his wedding announcement or an advertisement for his business. The historical newspapers on Chronicling America are an essential genealogical resource highlighted by the Library. To use it, visit the Chronicling America site (which is part of LOC.gov) and use the search boxes. You can also browse newspapers by title or state. When you find an article, you can zoom in on the digitized page image, download it, or even save a PDF of the whole page. This is an excellent way to do research from home and often yields personal details that official records do not have. (If a newspaper you need isn’t on Chronicling America, it may not be digitized yet – check the LOC newspaper directory on the same site to see where else it might be found, or plan to view it on microfilm on-site.)
Digitized Maps and Atlases: Many of the antique maps held by the LOC have been scanned and put online in high resolution. Through the LOC’s Map Collections portal, you can find things like 19th-century county landowner maps, Civil War maps, and panoramic maps of cities. For genealogists, the Land Ownership/Cadastral Maps collection is especially useful – these show property owners’ names. For example, the LOC has an 1856 map of Kings County (Brooklyn) showing farm lines and the names of landowners on each plot. Such maps are accessible on the LOC website; you can zoom in to read the names (often in fancy script). There are also many county atlases from the 1870s and 1880s viewable as PDFs or images – you might locate the exact plot where your ancestor lived and see who their neighbors were. Additionally, the LOC has made available high-quality Sanborn fire insurance maps for many cities (especially pre-1900 maps now in the public domain), which you can access via the map collections online. These show building-by-building details and can help you pinpoint an ancestor’s residence or workplace on a city block. Using the online map collection is as simple as going to the LOC’s Digital Collections page and filtering by Maps, then using keywords (e.g., “Milwaukee 1890 map” or “Camp County Texas 187?”). If you find a map of interest, you can view it in your browser and often download image files for personal use. The LOC emphasizes that these visual materials (maps, photographs, etc.) are free to use and reuse, meaning they are in the public domain, so you don’t have to worry about copyright for your personal genealogy project.
Books and Publications Online: As mentioned, many older genealogy books and Local histories have been digitized. While the LOC’s own website hosts some e-books, it often links out to copies hosted on other platforms (like Hathi Trust, Google Books, or FamilySearch’s digital library). If you search the LOC online catalog for a family name or Local history and see an “Internet resource” or “Also available in digital form” note, follow that link – you may be able to read the entire book immediately in your web browser. For example, the LOC catalog entry for an 1881 county history might include a link to a full-text PDF scan. The Library’s Research Guides also point to major online genealogy book collections. In addition, the LOC has curated some bibliographies of free genealogy websites (for instance, one of their guides lists the best sites for finding books online, vital records, military records, etc.). You can use these online resources in tandem with LOC materials: for instance, find a reference in an old genealogy book online, then go to LOC to track down the original source cited.
Genealogy Web Archives: A unique online offering from the Library of Congress is the Local History and Genealogy Web Archive, an initiative where LOC curators are preserving useful genealogy websites over time. This means that the LOC periodically saves snapshots of websites of genealogical and historical societies, genealogy blogs, and other related sites from across the country. If a Local genealogical society’s website has a valuable index or database and that site later goes offline, the content may still be accessible through this LOC web archive. The archive includes ethnic genealogy sites, county historical society pages, and more, complete with their newsletters, name indexes, and guides. For a beginner, this might be a bit advanced, but it’s good to know that LOC is even preserving online genealogy content for future researchers. You can browse this web archive via the Digital Collections page (search for “Genealogy Web Archive” on LOC.gov). It’s an ongoing project (started in 2023) to fill in gaps in the collection by capturing digital-only material. This forward-thinking resource ensures that today’s online genealogy info isn’t lost to time – a reassuring thought as you dive into historical research.
Subscription Databases (On-Site Access): While not accessible from home, it’s worth noting that if you do visit the Library in person, you can take advantage of many subscription genealogy databases for free on their computers. The LOC subscribes to databases like MyHeritage, and others which normally require a paid subscription. Using these on-site can supplement your research with records that LOC might not have in print. For example, you could search international records on MyHeritage while you are at the Library. These databases are available in the Main Reading Room and other reading rooms via the LOC’s electronic resources portal (just ask a librarian to direct you). This is a major perk of doing research at the Library: expensive databases at your fingertips for free.
Searching the Catalog and Accessing Materials
To make the most of the Library of Congress collections, it helps to know how to search for what you need. Here are some tips and steps for navigating the LOC catalog and finding genealogy resources:
Using the LOC Online Catalog: The online catalog is your master key to the Library’s holdings. You can access it from the LOC homepage (look for the search bar or use the dedicated link to Search Online Catalog. For example:
Search by Family Name or Topic: Enter a surname you are researching (e.g., “Johnson family”) or a place (e.g., “Cleveland genealogy” or “Suffolk County history”). The catalog will return any books, manuscripts, or media that match those terms. Family genealogies are often titled like “The [Surname] Family History,” so a last name plus “family” works well. Similarly, try a town or county name plus words like “history” or “genealogy.”
Refine the Results: The initial results might be broad. Use the filters on the left side of the catalog results page to narrow down. You can filter by Format (e.g., Books, Newspapers, Maps, Photos), by Date, or by Online Availability. For instance, if you only want things you can read online from home, check “Available Online.” If you’re specifically looking for maps, filter to Maps. You can also switch to a different search index (e.g., search by Subject or Author) using the Advanced Search, but keyword is usually fine to start.
Review Catalog Records: Click on any promising result to see its full record. The record will show details like the author, publication date, and most importantly where to find it. Look at the Call Number and Location – this tells you which reading room or branch of the Library has the item. For example, a Local history book might have a call number starting with “F” or “CS” (the classification for genealogy) and be available in the Main Reading Room. The record may also indicate if the item is part of a special collection (e.g., in the Law Library or Map Division). If an item is digitized, the record will have a direct link (often labeled “HTTP” or “PDF”). If you see a button for “Digital Content,” click it to view the item immediately. Always note the call number and title of items you want to see on-site.
Plan for On-Site Requests: Most printed genealogies and Local histories can be requested for viewing in the Main Reading Room. You do this by filling out a call slip or using the automated request system once you’re at the Library (staff will assist). Some materials, like rare books or manuscripts, might require visiting a specific division (e.g., Rare Book Reading Room or Manuscript Reading Room) and possibly an advance appointment. The catalog record will usually mention if there are “Access Restrictions” or if the item is stored off-site. If something is off-site, you might need to request it a day or two in advance so that it can be brought to the reading room by your visit. You can use the LOC’s Ask a Librarian service to inquire about the best way to access a particular item if you’re unsure. In fact, if you have any trouble finding something in the catalog, don’t hesitate to reach out to LOC librarians via the online Ask a Librarian form – they are there to help researchers navigate the vast collections.
Using LOC Research Guides: The Library of Congress has an entire suite of Local History & Genealogy Research Guides prepared by its librarians. These guides are like mini-websites that aggregate resources on particular topics – for example, there are guides for each U.S. state (pointing to books and websites for that state’s genealogy), guides for specific ethnic research (African American genealogy, Chinese American genealogy, etc.), and how-to guides on using certain records (like “Church and Synagogue Records for Genealogy”. It is highly recommended to consult the “Genealogy Basics” guide which provides step-by-step help on starting your family tree and searching library collections. The guides can be found on the LOC website (often under the Research Guides section). They often link directly to catalog searches or digital collections, saving you time. For example, a state guide might list major books in the LOC about that state’s genealogy and include the call numbers. Using these guides in conjunction with the catalog will improve your research efficiency. In short, you’re not alone – LOC specialists have created roadmaps for you to follow.
Accessing Digital Materials: If you find digital items (like a scanned book or map) via the catalog or the Digital Collections page, accessing them is usually one click away. However, if you encounter a large collection (like “Photos from the Civil War”), you might need to search within that collection. The LOC digital interface often lets you search within a particular collection or across all collections. You can also use external search engines – sometimes just Googling a title with “site:LOC.gov” will lead you right to a PDF or image. Remember that all digitized newspapers are on the separate Chronicling America site, which has its own search interface (discussed above). Similarly, some specialized databases (like the Nationwide Newspaper Directory or the Biographical Indexes) might have their own search forms; links to those are usually provided in research guides or on the Library’s website. When in doubt, check the LOC’s Genealogy & Local History FAQ pages or ask a librarian for the direct link.
Library Departments and Reading Rooms for Genealogists
The Library of Congress is organized into multiple reading rooms and specialized divisions. As a genealogy researcher, you may find yourself using several of these. Here are the most helpful departments and reading rooms to know about:
Main Reading Room (Local History & Genealogy) – This is the primary reading room for most genealogy researchers. The Local History & Genealogy Reference Services are now provided within the beautiful Main Reading Room of the Thomas Jefferson Building. Here is where you can request the bulk of books (family histories, local histories, atlases, etc.) from the general collections. The reference librarians on duty specialize in history and genealogy and can assist with finding materials or using the catalog. Reference books like indexes, bibliographies, and guides are on the open shelves here (for example, you might find the Genealogies Cataloged in the Library of Congress reference volumes, or statewide research handbooks). If you need help getting started, ask the librarians at the desk – they can provide research advice, suggest resources, and even help decipher an old handwriting in a census record. The LOC explicitly encourages researchers to consult the Local History & Genealogy Reference Services for help. Don’t be shy; they are friendly and used to helping beginners. Notably, what used to be a separate “Local History & Genealogy Reading Room” is now merged into the Main Reading Room, so all the same expertise is available, just in a different location. When you request books through the catalog or with call slips, you will typically read them at a desk in this room. It’s an inspiring place to do research (under the dome of the Jefferson Building), and quiet enough to take notes comfortably.
Microform and Electronic Resources Center: Also located in the Jefferson or adjacent building is a dedicated area for using microfilm, microfiche, and computers. If you need to view U.S. Census microfilm or city directory microfiche, you will likely go to the Microform Reading Room (sometimes called the Microform & Electronic Resources Center). This room has many microfilm reader machines – some are digital scanners that allow you to save images to a flash drive. As a genealogist, you might spend hours here scrolling through census reels or old newspapers that haven’t been digitized. The Electronic Resources area in the same space provides computers where you can access subscription genealogy databases (like Ancestry) and CD-ROM publications. Staff are present to help load microfilm and troubleshoot machines. It’s a good idea to reserve a microfilm reader ahead of time if you know you’ll need one, especially during busy research seasons. The Microform Center is also where one of the Reader Registration stations is (for getting your library card), which we’ll cover in the visit tips.
Newspaper & Current Periodical Reading Room: This reading room (formerly in the John Adams or James Madison Building – check current location on the LOC site) is specifically for newspapers, journals, and current magazines. Genealogists come here mainly to use the extensive newspaper microfilm collections. If the paper you need isn’t online, you can request the microfilm reels at this reading room’s desk. They have comfortable microfilm readers and often longer hours. This room also holds recent newspapers and periodicals; for example, if you needed an obituary from a 1990s newspaper, you might find the physical microfilm here. The staff can also assist in using the Newspaper Directory to identify what papers existed in a Locale and time (which is useful if you’re not sure what newspaper your small-town ancestor’s news would be in). The Family Tree Magazine article noted that LOC’s collections of city directories and newspapers are especially extensive – many of those materials are used in this reading room.
Geography & Map Reading Room: If you are using maps for genealogy, this dedicated reading room in the Madison Building is where you will go. It provides access to original historical maps and atlases. You may fill out a call slip for a map by its call number (found in the catalog or map guides) and the map librarians will retrieve it. There are large tables and special weights to hold maps flat. The staff can also help you use the Gazetteer and place-finding tools or digital map databases. An advantage of an on-site visit is being able to see the full size map in person – sometimes details (like a tiny plotted family cemetery or the handwritten name on a small lot) are easier to read on the original. The Map Reading Room also often has reference atlases and place-name indexes on the shelves, which can aid in your research (for example, books that tell you all the township names in 1870s Pennsylvania). For genealogists, the combination of the Map Reading Room and the Main Reading Room can really connect the dots between locations and people.
Manuscript Reading Room: Should your research lead you to unpublished manuscripts (letters, diaries, etc.), you will visit the Manuscript Division’s reading room, located in the Madison Building. Here, materials are viewed in a controlled environment. You will need to have a Reader Card and store personal items (only pencils, paper, laptops allowed; no pens or cases). If you plan to use this room, it’s wise to contact them in advance – some collections require prior arrangements to view. However, many genealogists never need to go this deep unless investigating a specific collection. One example where you might is if you discover an ancestor worked for a person whose papers are at LOC (say your ancestor was an aide to a Congressman – that Congressperson’s archived papers might mention them). The Manuscript Reading Room staff will orient you on how to request boxes of documents and handle them carefully. It’s a more formal research process, but very rewarding for advanced projects.
Prints & Photographs Reading Room: If you want to explore photographs, prints, or other visual materials (maybe to find a photograph of your ancestor’s hometown in 1910, or to see portraits of people with the same surname), you would go to the P&P division’s reading room in the Madison Building. This room allows you to search the online image catalog or physical card catalogs for older images not online. You can request to see original photographs or oversize images. They also have facilities to view images that are digitized (computers) and light tables for negatives. For genealogists, the most common use of P&P is to get high-quality scans of images you found online (you can ask for TIFF files of certain images) or to view items like family record broadsides, posters, or photo albums that are part of the collection. This division’s staff can help you find things like graduation class photos, military unit photos, or other group images that might include relatives (if you have a hunch about something like that). Even if you don’t have a specific query, stopping by to see some historical images can give you a richer sense of your ancestors’ world – for example, looking at a 1940s street scene of the town where they lived. The P&P Reading Room is a friendly place, and they often display interesting images that researchers are looking at (there might be a giant panorama photo on a table, for instance).
Other Divisions: Depending on your research, you might also find the Law Library Reading Room useful (for things like naturalization laws or Local ordinances that affected ancestors), or the African and Middle Eastern Reading Room if you are researching immigrant ancestors from those regions (they have area specialists). The Science & Business Reading Room holds city directories for some cities and business directories. However, for most beginners, the main hubs will be the ones described above. One more to mention is the Local History & Genealogy Reference Office (Ask a Librarian) – you don’t see this as a physical space, but it’s the team that answers genealogy questions online. If you can’t find something or need expert advice, you can submit a query through the Ask a Librarian website and the genealogy specialists will email you with guidance. This is essentially an extension of the reading room service, and it’s incredibly helpful for those who cannot visit in person or need to clarify something before they come.
In summary, the Library of Congress has multiple specialized reading rooms, but as a genealogy researcher you will likely move between the Main Reading Room (for books), Microform Room (for films and databases), and perhaps Map or Newspaper rooms. Each has its own rules (e.g., some allow digital photography of pages, some have scanners). Be sure to follow the rules and handle materials with care, so that these resources remain available for everyone. The staff in each area are accustomed to assisting genealogists and can guide you on using equipment or finding call numbers. The Library is big, but you’ll find it’s a welcoming place for researchers of all levels.
Planning Your Visit to the Library of Congress
If you’re planning an on-site visit to use the Library’s genealogical resources, a bit of preparation will ensure you have a smooth and productive experience. Here are some essential tips for first-time visitors doing genealogy research at the LOC:
Get a Reader Identification Card: To use any reading room at the Library of Congress, you will need to obtain a free Reader Identification Card (often just called a “reader card” or library card). Anyone age 16 or older can get one with a government-issued photo ID. The process is straightforward: you can pre-register online by filling out a form (this saves time), and then when you arrive at the Library, you present your ID and pick up the card. The Reader Registration stations are located at the entrances to the research areas – currently in the Madison Building (Room LM 133, near the Newspaper & Current Periodical Reading Room) and the Jefferson Building (Room LJ 139, near the Microform Center). Plan to do this first thing when you arrive. The card is valid for two years and can be renewed. This card is your passport to enter the reading rooms and request materials. (If you’re only doing a tour of the building as a tourist, you don’t need it, but for research you do.) Getting the card takes only a few minutes – they will take your photo and print the card on the spot. Note: If you are 16 or 17, you’ll need a parental consent form as well – check the LOC website for the teen researcher policy.
Plan What You Want to Research: The Library of Congress is huge, so it’s best to arrive with a research plan. Before your visit, use the online catalog to identify the specific books, microfilms, or other items you want to see. Make a list of titles and call numbers. If any items are in off-site storage (the catalog will note if the location is “off-site” or “Request in Advance”), use the Ask a Librarian service a couple of weeks before your trip to request those items to be pulled for you, or submit an advance request if available. It’s frustrating to show up and find that the one book you need is 100 miles away in an off-site facility – but if you plan ahead, the Library can usually have it delivered for you by the time you arrive. Also, check the LOC hours and schedules for each reading room you’ll need. The Main Reading Room, for example, may have Saturday hours, but other specialized rooms (like Manuscripts or Maps) might be weekdays only or limited hours. Coordinate your schedule so you can visit those rooms when they’re open. It’s wise to prioritize: decide what is most critical to look at first (in case you run out of time). Another planning tip is to bring a USB flash drive if you intend to scan microfilm or download files from library computers, and bring a notebook or laptop for note-taking. While the Library has Wi-Fi for researchers, be prepared for the possibility of working offline with physical materials – have your ancestor charts or questions printed out or accessible.
Understand Security and Logistics: The Library of Congress has security screening at the entrances. When you arrive at the Madison or Jefferson Building for research, you’ll go through airport-style security (metal detector, bag x-ray). After that, you’ll need to store coats, bags, and other bulky items in a cloakroom or locker before entering the reading rooms. Researchers are generally allowed to bring in laptops, notebooks, pencils, phones, and small cameras or scanners (check each reading room’s policy – some allow digital photography of books, others might require a permission form). You cannot bring pens (only pencils) into most research areas to prevent accidental damage to materials. There are free cloakrooms with lockers – you’ll get a key for a locker to store your backpack, purse, coat, etc. It’s best to travel light; bring only what you need for research into the reading room. Also, no food or drink is allowed in research areas, but there are cafeterias and a snack bar in the buildings where you can take breaks. Plan to eat lunch on-site or nearby (Capitol Hill has some cafes) because you’ll want to maximize your time. The LOC campus is actually three buildings (Jefferson, Madison, and Adams). Genealogy materials are mainly in Jefferson (Main Reading Room) and Madison (many others). They are across the street from each other and connected by tunnels, so you can move between them without going outside if you have your reader card. Still, wear comfortable shoes as you’ll do a fair bit of walking within these giant buildings!
When You Arrive at a Reading Room: Present your Reader Card to the security guard or attendant at the door. In the Main Reading Room, you’ll sign in at a desk and get assigned a seat. In specialized rooms, you also sign in. Don’t be intimidated – the staff will guide you through any procedures. If you have call slips filled out (you can fill them at tables in the reading room), submit them at the circulation desk and a runner will retrieve your items (this can take 10-30 minutes or more, so be patient). While waiting, you can browse reference books or ask the librarian some of your questions. When your items arrive, they’ll either be given to you at the desk or placed at a designated seat. You can then work with them as long as you need that day. If you need to leave and come back later or the next day, ask about holding the item on reserve for you. The Library usually allows researchers to keep books on hold for a short period so you don’t have to request them again. Copying: Many reading rooms have scanners or copy machines. For example, the Main Reading Room might have a book scanner where you can save images to your USB drive (often free of charge) – this is great for copying pages from a family history book or city directory. Microfilm scanners are available in the Microform Center to digitize microfilm images. If you prefer paper copies, there are copiers (for a fee per page) and you’ll need to purchase a copy card from a vending machine. Staff can assist if you’re unsure how to use the equipment. Remember to handle materials carefully – support book spines, keep materials in order, and use provided cradles for fragile books. The Library’s collections are irreplaceable, so treat them with respect (which we genealogists always should!).
Ask for Help and Take Advantage of Expertise: Don’t hesitate to utilize the knowledgeable librarians around you. If you can’t find a particular book or you’re not sure how to interpret a catalog entry, ask the reference librarian. They can often suggest sources you didn’t know about. For example, if you say “I’m trying to find church records for Albany, New York,” they might point you to a specific microfilm or a published index in their collection. The LOC staff can also guide you on the order of research – perhaps advising you to look at a particular index before diving into a thousand-page directory. The Library of Congress prides itself on being a place for self-directed research with support: you will be doing the actual research, but there’s a safety net of experts to consult when needed. Sometimes the Library also offers free research orientation classes or tours – inquire if any are available during your visit (they occasionally have a genealogy orientation session). Even an informal chat with a librarian about your project can spark new ideas or clarify next steps.
Time Management and Enjoyment: Give yourself plenty of time at the Library. If you can, plan to spend at least a full day, if not several days, especially if you have a lot of materials to go through. It takes time to request items and review them carefully (genealogy research is a marathon, not a sprint!). Break up your day to avoid fatigue – maybe spend the morning reading books in the Main Reading Room, then after lunch switch to looking at microfilms, etc. The Library’s beautiful architecture (especially the Jefferson Building’s grand hall and reading room) is worth appreciating too. Take a short break to walk around the public areas and see the exhibits – it can be a nice mental rest and inspiration to keep going. Photographing your findings: It’s allowed (in most areas) to take photos of pages or screens for reference. This can save time on note-taking. Just double-check with staff about flash or any restrictions. And if you photograph pages, remember to also capture the title page or source info so you know what book/newspaper it came from for proper citation later.
Beyond the Library of Congress: While you’re in Washington, D.C., consider also visiting the National Archives (NARA) if you need to retrieve federal records like military service files, pension records, naturalization petitions, etc., which complement the LOC’s resources. The DAR Library (Daughters of the American Revolution Library) is also nearby and is a genealogical library focused on lineage research with extensive collections of Local records and family histories. These institutions, along with the LOC, form a triangle of genealogical research centers in D.C. If you have multiple days, it’s worth including them. However, even if you only spend time at the Library of Congress, you will have plenty to work with.
Finally, enjoy the experience of researching at the Library of Congress. It’s a rite of passage for many genealogists to sit under the Dome of the Main Reading Room, surrounded by the wisdom of centuries, and turn the pages of a book that might hold the key to a family mystery. The scale of resources available is inspiring – from a simple family tree chart to detailed maps and rare manuscripts.
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