Our February field trip will be to the largest library in the world. The Library of Congress is not only home to over 38 million books, 14 million photographs, 8 million pieces of sheet music and 70 million manuscripts, the Thomas Jefferson building also happens to be DC’s most glamorously decorated interiors.
The Thomas Jefferson building, as it has been known since 1980, originally opened November 1, 1897 and was the first public building in DC to be built with electricity installed. The Italian Renaissance inspired design was decorated by more than 40 American painters and sculptors demonstrating contemporary American culture and technological ingenuity. The secret is out and today’s 1.6 million annual visitors are frequently amazed at such a facility. Photographers will not only be inspired by the architecture, color, and design, they will also find various hidden details scattered throughout. The Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson building is an amazing spectacle not to be missed.
We’ll visit the Jefferson Building on President’s Day when they traditionally open the Main Reading Room to the public. Although the library staff could not verify these plans, we know there will be lots to see regardless of whether they open the Main Reading Room or not.
Please familiarize yourself with their photography policies:
https://www.loc.gov/static/portals/visit/documents/PhotographyGuidelines.pdf
Check out the images from earlier field trips:
https://nvps.smugmug.com/NVPSGallery/Field-Trips/2019-2020-Field-Trips/Library-of-Congress-February-2020/
https://nvps.smugmug.com/NVPSGallery/Field-Trips/2016-2017/LOC-022017/
Tickets:
Visiting the Library of Congress’ Jefferson Building now requires timed tickets for entry. Tickets become available 30 days in advance. To reserve your ticket, follow the directions at the following link:
https://loc.usedirect.com/LOC/
Equipment:
- Many of your images will be taken with a standard or wide angle lens. Bring a telephoto if you want to get details of some of the sculptures as many are located up high in the ceiling.
- Tripods are prohibited, leave them at home and travel light.
- No flash photography.
- It will be chilly outside, but we’ll be spending most of our time indoors. Restrooms are available on-site as well as several benches you can use while you gather your inspiration.
When:
Monday, February 20, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
(no rain date)
Where:
We’ll meet outdoors, up the first set of stairs behind the Neptune Fountain in front of the Jefferson Building. Well do our standard meet and greet at 9:30am as well as answer any questions you might have. We’ll enter the building when they open at 10am. We’ll want to get inside as soon as possible to not only escape the cold but also get in line to the main reading room. We hope to see you.
Directions:
Library of Congress
Thomas Jefferson Building
10 First Street SE
Washington, DC 20540
You’ll find free parking West of the Capitol on Maryland Ave SW near the US Botanical Gardens and another lot on Pennsylvania Ave NW between 1st and 3rd St. Both parking lots require a short uphill hike to the Jefferson Building across the street from the Capitol.
The Capital South metro station (blue/orange/silver) is the nearest metro stop to the library. It’s located about one and a half blocks South and should make for an excellent public transportation option.
COVID precautions:
The Library of Congress is a popular destination on President’s Day as it is one of two days a year the main reading room opens to the public. We’re anticipating increased risk considering the interior will probably be crowded. It also happens to be cold and flu season so you may want to wear a mask for some extra protection.
We hope you can join us!
Rena Schild and Steven Glintz
Field Trip Coordinators 2022-2023
* Photographs courtesy Rena Schild and Steven Glintz