On June 10, 2020, the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, announced that it will cancel all scheduled public events at the Library until September 1, 2020 as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 coronavirus. Whenever possible, the Library will reschedule the public programs that have been canceled, and provide regular public updates on the operating status of Library facilities.
Library of Congress buildings and facilities remain closed to the public until further notice. Because the health and safety of Library employees and visitors is our first priority, the Library continues to consult with public health professionals regularly, particularly when considering the Library’s operating status, building access, public programs and public tours.
During this period, the Library has expanded its online events and programs, launching Library of Congress: Engage! with original content from bestselling children’s author Dav Pilkey and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds.
The public can also still access many Library resources through LOC.gov, Ask a Librarian, and Congress.gov.
To protect patrons from coronavirus as it spread in the US, the Library of Congress first canceled Spring events, then extended the cancellation period. The most recent extension of event cancellations was through July 1, with this new announcement pushing back two more months. More information about the Library of Congress’ response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic may be found at loc.gov/coronavirus/.
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States — and extensive materials from around the world.
Source: Library of Congress, Washington, DC
