Group & Student Tours
The Library offers a variety of guided tours for reserved groups with at least 10 participants. Groups visiting for the first time should reserve the introductory tour to learn about the Thomas Jefferson Building and the history of the Library. Other themed tours are also available. Please do not request multiple tours for a single group.
If you have a group smaller than 10, please check the public tour schedule on Guided Tours
Student Tours
The guided tour is recommended for students 4th grade and above. Student group guided tours must have one chaperone for every eight students. Chaperones must accompany students at all times and maintain order.
Schedule a Group Tour
Tours for groups of more than 10 participants are available by advance reservation only. Group tour requests are accepted for groups of 11 to 60 participants no more than three months in advance, but at least two weeks prior.
Dates and times for tours are dependent on docent availability. Your group does not hold a reservation until you receive a confirmation email with complete details. The Visitor Services Office will send an email confirming or denying your tour request within two business days.
To request a group tour, please complete the group tour request form .
If your tour group has any special needs or foreign language requirements, please contact the Visitor Services Office ([email protected]).
For questions about reserved group tours, please call (202) 707-0919 or email [email protected]
Themed or Exhibition Tours
To request a themed tour below for a group of 10 to 25 people, please e-mail us at [email protected] .
- Music and the Performing Arts at the Library of Congress Tour
- Thomas Jefferson: The Man and His Ideas Tour
To request a tour of a current Library exhibition, please email [email protected] with preferred date and time.
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.
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.