Library of Congress

United States of America Library of Congress Local History and Genealogy Reading Room Contact Information E-mail:  Ask a Librarian Address: 101 Independence Ave. SE Thomas Jefferson Building, LJ G42 Washington, D.C. 20540-4660 Telephone:  Reading Room: 202-707-5537 Fax:  202-707-1957 Hours:  Monday-Saturday 9:00 to 4:30 Directions, maps, and public transportation:  {Optional} Internet sites and databases: Repository Internet Site at http://www.repository.net Repository Catalog Online at http://www.repositorycatalog.net Repository Database at http://respositorydatabase.net Library Background Established in 1800, the original small library was destroy during the British invasion of 1814. A month later Thomas Jefferson offered his own personal library of 6,487 books as a replacement. Since becoming the U.S. copyright repository it has grown to the largest library in the world. It serves both houses of Congress, and is open to the public. Family History Resources The Local History and Genealogy Reading Room has one of the world's premier collections of U.S. and foreign genealogical and local historical publications. Collection Description {Please briefly describe the strengths and weaknesses of each collection for genealogists (about two or three sentences for smaller collections). For example, explain the collection size, who (which ethnic, political, or religious groups) are covered, dates covered, jurisdictions covered, record types available, significant indexes, and any noteworthy record loss or gaps.} Tips {Optional} Guides {Optional: Internet or guide books describing this collection for genealogists. } Substitute Repositories { List (link to a Wiki article for) at least one or more other repositories that collect overlapping records, or similar family history material including central repositories, affiliated or branch repositories, higher level jurisdiction repositories, parent or daughter jurisdiction repositories. Also list neighboring repositories with similar records. Please briefly explain how each substitute repository is related.} If you cannot visit or find a record at the Library of Congress, a similar record may be available at one of the following. Overlapping Collections Similar Collections Neighboring Collections Sources