Washington DC Library Hours - DCPL & Library of Congress
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Last Updated: December 2025 | Verified by Editorial Team
Washington DC offers an unparalleled library experience, from the world-famous Library of Congress to the newly renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Whether you're a tourist exploring the nation's capital, a researcher accessing federal archives, or a resident seeking community resources, this guide covers every library option in DC with Metro directions included.
DC Public Library (DCPL) - Main Locations
The DC Public Library system operates 27 locations throughout the District, anchored by the stunning Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library that reopened in 2020 after a $211 million renovation. DCPL offers free library cards to DC, Maryland, and Virginia residents.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (Main Branch)
901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 727-0321
Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red/Green/Yellow Lines) - 2 blocks
| Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Features: Rooftop terrace, Dream Lab makerspace, recording studios, Black Lives Matter mural, café, children's library, Washingtoniana collection
Insider Tip: The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of downtown DC and is free to access. The Dream Lab on the 4th floor has 3D printers, laser cutters, and professional recording equipment - all free with your library card.
Georgetown Library
3260 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 727-0232
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU + DC Circulator Georgetown route
| Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features: Historic Peabody Room with Georgetown archives, children's programs, quiet study spaces
Tenley-Friendship Library
4450 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
(202) 727-1488
Metro: Tenleytown-AU (Red Line) - 1 block
| Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Features: Popular family location, extensive children's collection, convenient Metro access
Southeast Library
403 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 727-1377
Metro: Eastern Market (Orange/Blue/Silver Lines) - 3 blocks
| Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features: Capitol Hill location, community meeting rooms, local history resources
Cleveland Park Library
3310 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 727-1345
Metro: Cleveland Park (Red Line) - 1 block
| Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Features: Cozy neighborhood branch, strong children's programming, near National Zoo
Library of Congress - America's Library
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with more than 173 million items in its collections. While primarily serving Congress and researchers, the stunning Thomas Jefferson Building is open to all visitors and is one of DC's top free attractions.
Thomas Jefferson Building (Main Building)
10 First Street SE, Washington, DC 20540
(202) 707-5000
Metro: Capitol South (Orange/Blue/Silver Lines) - 3 minute walk
| Monday - Saturday | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features: Great Hall, Main Reading Room viewing gallery, Gutenberg Bible, exhibitions, free guided tours
Insider Tip: The Main Reading Room viewing gallery offers one of DC's most stunning interior views - completely free. For researchers, get a free Reader Identification Card (bring photo ID, 16+ years) to access the reading rooms and request materials from the world's largest collection.
James Madison Building
101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
(202) 707-5000
| Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
Features: Copyright Office, Law Library, Geography and Map Division, Newspaper and Current Periodical Reading Room
John Adams Building
2nd Street SE (between Independence Ave and East Capitol St)
(202) 707-5000
| Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
Features: Science Reference Section, Business Reference Services, Art Deco architecture
University Libraries in Washington DC
DC is home to some of the nation's most prestigious universities, each with impressive library collections. While most require university affiliation for borrowing, many allow in-library use for visitors.
Georgetown University - Lauinger Library
37th & O Streets NW, Washington, DC 20057
(202) 687-7607
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU + Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS)
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
Features: Booth Family Center for Special Collections, Woodstock Theological Library, gorgeous campus setting
Insider Tip: Visitors can browse during day hours. The Special Collections include rare medieval manuscripts and the archives of prominent American Catholics.
George Washington University - Gelman Library
2130 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20052
(202) 994-6558
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Orange/Blue/Silver Lines) - on campus
| Monday - Thursday | 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
Features: Global Resources Center, Special Collections (DC history, political papers), open to visitors for in-house use
Howard University - Founders Library
500 Howard Place NW, Washington, DC 20059
(202) 806-7234
Metro: Shaw-Howard U (Green/Yellow Lines) - 5 minute walk
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
Features: Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (premier African American archives), historic campus landmark
American University - Bender Library
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
(202) 885-3237
Metro: Tenleytown-AU (Red Line) + AU Shuttle
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
Features: Media Services, Special Collections (journalism, politics), quiet study spaces
Catholic University - Mullen Library
620 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20064
(202) 319-5070
Metro: Brookland-CUA (Red Line) - on campus
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
Features: Rare books, Catholic Americana, archives of American Catholic History
Special Collections & Unique Resources
Washington DC's libraries house some of the world's most significant research collections.
Library of Congress Collections
Over 173 million items including the Gutenberg Bible, Thomas Jefferson's personal library, original drafts of the Declaration of Independence, and the world's largest collection of maps, films, and sound recordings. Free Reader ID cards provide access.
Washingtoniana Collection (DCPL)
Located at MLK Library, this collection documents DC's history from its founding to present day, including photographs, maps, newspapers, and documents about the District's neighborhoods and communities.
Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (Howard)
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive repositories of documentation on the history and culture of people of African descent. Includes papers of Thurgood Marshall, Ralph Bunche, and thousands of other figures.
Peabody Room (Georgetown DCPL)
Historic archives of Georgetown neighborhood, predating the founding of Washington DC. Includes photographs, maps, and documents from the 18th century to present.
Tips for Using DC Libraries
For Tourists
The Library of Congress is a must-see free attraction - arrive early to avoid crowds. The MLK Library rooftop terrace offers free panoramic views of downtown DC. Non-residents can get a DCPL card for just $30/year, one of the best deals in the country.
For Researchers
Get a free Library of Congress Reader ID card first - it provides access to the world's largest collection. Many LOC materials must be requested 24-48 hours in advance. The Washingtoniana collection at DCPL is essential for DC-focused research.
For Students
University libraries often have extended hours during finals. Georgetown's Lauinger and GWU's Gelman stay open until 2 AM most weeknights. DCPL's Dream Lab at MLK Library offers free access to professional recording studios and makerspaces.
For Families
DCPL branches offer free children's programs daily. The Cleveland Park branch is near the National Zoo for a combined visit. MLK Library has a dedicated children's floor with interactive exhibits and regular story times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are DC Public Library hours?
DC Public Library Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (main branch) is open Monday-Thursday 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Most branch libraries operate Monday-Thursday 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, with varying Sunday hours.
Can tourists visit the Library of Congress?
Yes! Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building welcomes tourists Monday-Saturday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM with FREE admission. Highlights include the stunning Great Hall, Main Reading Room viewing gallery, and exhibitions featuring treasures like the Gutenberg Bible. Must be 16+ with photo ID to access the actual reading rooms.
How do I get a DC library card?
FREE for DC, Maryland, and Virginia residents - just bring photo ID and proof of address to any DCPL branch. Non-regional residents can get a card for $30/year, making it one of the most affordable major city library cards in the US. Digital eCards are available online for instant access to ebooks and digital resources.
Which Metro stops are near DC libraries?
MLK Library: Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red/Green/Yellow). Library of Congress: Capitol South (Orange/Blue/Silver). Georgetown Library: Foggy Bottom-GWU + DC Circulator. Tenley-Friendship: Tenleytown-AU (Red Line). Cleveland Park Library: Cleveland Park (Red Line).
Is the Library of Congress free?
Yes, completely FREE! No tickets needed for visiting exhibitions and the Great Hall. Reading room access requires a free Reader Identification Card (bring photo ID, must be 16+ years old). Guided tours are free but reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist season (March-August).
Does DC have 24-hour libraries?
DCPL does not operate 24-hour locations - the latest closing is 9:00 PM at MLK and major branches Monday-Thursday. However, Georgetown University's Lauinger Library offers 24-hour access to students during finals week, and GWU's Gelman Library is open until midnight most nights.
🏛️ Washington DC Library Insider Tips
📜 FREE Library of Congress Reader Card
Get a FREE Reader Identification Card and access the world's largest library collection! Just bring photo ID (must be 16+). You can request ANY of the 173 million items - including Thomas Jefferson's personal library and original Gutenberg Bible pages!
🌆 FREE Rooftop Views at MLK Library
The renovated MLK Library has a stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic downtown DC views - completely FREE access during library hours! Perfect for Instagram photos of the Washington Monument. Cafe on-site too.
🔧 Dream Lab FREE Makerspace
MLK Library's Dream Lab (4th floor) has 3D printers, laser cutters, recording studios, and professional video equipment - ALL FREE with a library card! Staff teach you everything. Reserve online at dclibrary.org/dreamlab.
💰 $30 Non-Resident Cards (Best Deal!)
DCPL offers non-resident cards for just $30/year - one of the cheapest major city library cards in the US! Compare: NYC is $50, Boston is $50, SFPL is $120. Perfect for tourists and researchers who visit DC regularly.
🌙 Georgetown 2 AM Study Sessions
Georgetown University's Lauinger Library stays open until 2 AM Monday-Thursday and Sunday! While checkout requires a Georgetown ID, visitors can study during day hours. Special Collections include medieval manuscripts!
📖 Moorland-Spingarn Archives (Howard)
Howard University's Moorland-Spingarn Research Center is the world's premier African American archives. FREE access for researchers. Holds papers of Thurgood Marshall, Ralph Bunche, and thousands of other figures. Metro: Shaw-Howard U.
Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About Washington Dc Libraries
What time do libraries open in Washington Dc?
Most public libraries in Washington Dc open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are Washington Dc libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most Washington Dc public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit Washington Dc libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.