The Library of Congress is an amazingly beautiful building. Lots of people come to marvel at the symbolic beauty of the space. It amazes me how so few of them actually come to the library to use the library. What a shame!
The main reading room is a quiet, comfortable place to pour over research or write in undisturbed solitude. In spite of the grand classical architecture and art, the magnificent room has a warmth. Instead of stark white marble, the monuments are in soft taupes and earthy reds. A warm, golden glow shines down from the dome. The the dark wood desks are beautifully arranged and designed to give you a sense of space and privacy. The simple chairs are sturdy and supportive and the light is clean and clear without glare. The librarians are patient, and give you undivided attention.
It doesn’t matter if you are gathering data to support your congressional testimony or if you are just playfully curious about the development of the safety pin. The librarians treat your quest for knowledge with respect. Your materials are delivered right to you at your desk by men and women who genuinely appreciate the importance of safeguarding wisdom and making it available to to all.
Any United States citizen can register to use the Library of Congress. Your first stop is in the Madison Building. First you will go through an airport-style security checkpoint and walk down the hall to your left. The door is clearly marked for those desiring to get a reader card. You will have to check your belongings at the cloak room before entering the office. Just make sure you have a photo ID on you.
Once in the office, there are helpful signs hanging from the ceiling. “Step 1” you show your ID and get your application. “Step 2” you fill out your application. “Step 3” you bring your completed application and ID to the photographer. She takes your picture and hands you your reader card in 30 seconds flat. Then there is the optional (but recommended) “Step 4.” This is where you sit down with a librarian while your reader card is still hot from production. She helps you identify the sources most likely to help you with your project, shows you which buildings they are in, and how to request the materials to be brought to you.
Mine were in the Jefferson Building. Now this is the cool part; You get to walk behind the information desk and follow a curvaceous hall under the reading room. Again, you check your unnecessary items. The cloak room attendant will give you a clear plastic tote to carry only those items you need for your research. (I took my iPad, its stand and bluetooth keyboard. I had my wallet and my iPhone on me too.) Then you meet the librarian. You show him your reader card and he helps you fill out your call slips.
This is where you walk into the great reading room of the Library of Congress. Statues, gods, goddesses, and muses of every industry and ambition look over you as you select your desk. You mark your desk number on your call slips and bring them to the circulation desk. Your materials will be retrieved and brought right to you.
While you are not allowed to take pictures of the reading room, you are permitted to take pictures of your materials. Unfortunately (silly me) I had the camera lens of my iPhone reversed for a shot, oops! (wink)