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    DC History Center

    4.0 (11 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Me and my boyfriend visited during the shutdown and we were pleased to visit places we didn't normally think of otherwise. While we were there we met a woman named Karen who was there, she was amazingly informative and we really enjoyed speaking with her about the building and other places to visit during the shutdown!!!!!! I highly recommend this place even if it means you get the chance to speak with her!!!! The one thing I found amusing was the Apple logo pasted on the front of this beautifully historic building, don't let that stop you from visiting!!!

    Panorama
    Steve A.

    Another great and often overlooked attraction. DC History Center is kind of hard to find. It's a ways from the National Mall. Because it's farther away, there's not as much of a crowd. That makes a more enjoyable visit. It has a research library. It's pretty cool if you're really into researching. There's all kinds of ancient books and things. It also has an exhibit. You can look at all kinds of old city maps. It's neat seeing how the city came to be. This is fun if you like geeking out on this kind of stuff. It doesn't have as many open hours. The library is only by appointment, so you need to call someone or go online. It just seems more dry than the other more popular museums where all the tourists go. It's a place for the nerd herd. This is still fun if you're an inquisitive type.

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    3 years ago

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    22 days ago

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    9 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Review Highlights - DC History Center

    I've walked by the Carnegie Library many times.

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    Library of Congress - Well attended Thursday happy hour

    Library of Congress

    4.7(612 reviews)
    1.5 miCapitol Hill

    Don't let the long line discourage you; it's absolutely worth the wait. Expect to spend around 20…read moreminutes in line, and keep in mind that part of the wait is usually outside, so it can get pretty hot on warm days. Once inside, the building is stunning. The famous ceiling is every bit as impressive as the photos, and it's worth taking your time to admire the architecture. Be sure to check out the rotating exhibits as well. I thought the two Georges were well done. Also enjoyed seeing actual books from Jefferson's library. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and happy to answer questions. If you're visiting Washington, DC, this is definitely a place I'd recommend, especially if you're already exploring Capitol Hill. It's an easy walk to Navy Yard if you're planning to spend time there afterward.

    Live! at the Library is my favorite Happy Hour in DC. For those that don't know, Thursday evenings…read morefrom 5-8pm, the Library of Congress hosts a happy hour where attendees are invited to sip on drinks and enjoy food in their gorgeous space. This is a brilliant date night or a fantastic group activity. You can eat or drink. You can explore a rotating exhibit, the gift shop, and Jefferson's bookshelf. Do know you need to reserve a spot online in advance to get your free tickets, but it's super easy to do on their website. They offer other free events that are worth exploring too!

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    Library of Congress - 3/21/2019

    3/21/2019

    Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson's Library

    Thomas Jefferson's Library

    Library of Congress - Library of Congress

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    Library of Congress

    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library - childrens area

    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library

    3.7(29 reviews)
    0.7 miShaw

    I had driven past this library several times and today was the first time that I actually set foot…read moreinside. My plan was to go to a cafe further down Georgia Avenue and this place pooped-up again put of the corner of my eye. I need to work remotely today, and working from Starbucks has kind of run its course. I would give this public library a score of 10 out of 10 in terms of all of the things that are important when you are working remotely. It's modern and even the tables and chairs are up-to-date and comfortable. I would say this library has to have been constructed within the last ten years. It's quiet and there's no loud cafe music, which is surprising. There's a 7-11 right across the street, and this important for the most I vikis reasons. I e already been here three hours, and I will probably stay here until 6pm. I will see how the day goes and I am already thinking to make this a spot for me.

    I cant say enough how Wonderful DC libraries have become. Aside from having plenty of books,…read morenewspapers and magazines, they also have DVDs, printers, Internet access, meeting/study rooms, a fantastic amount of online services like newspapers, movies, Ancestry.com, childrens area, etc. When they are not too busy being a library, they also collect voting ballots, distribute COVID tests and masks etc. This location is fantastic, steps from the Metro. And they have great hours.

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    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library
    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library - Holds

    Holds

    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library

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    West End Neighborhood Library - Computer area.

    West End Neighborhood Library

    3.2(36 reviews)
    1.5 miWest End

    Agree with the rest of the reviews mentioning the population that tends to hang out here. It…read moredoesn't feel safe or feasible to stay in the library for any prolonged amount of time given the disruptive and sometimes aggressive behavior. If you're a smaller person or look less able to defend yourself, you might not feel safe hanging out in here. Also, if you're smell sensitive, forget it. I really don't mean to sound callous, but a public library is supposed to be for everyone. At times for this library there's really only one kind of community member that seems to feel comfortable hanging around. I don't think this is an acceptable state of things when our tax dollars fund public libraries. I wouldn't take kids here either. I strongly urge the leadership to do something about this problem that many people have now noted. The public library isn't a homeless shelter. Allowing it to turn into one will not fix the systemic issues that lead to homelessness and a lack of shelter space. It simply prevents others from using this public resource as intended. If y'all can call security on a Black teenager that was trying to study in the Children's section and bothering no one, surely you can call security to remove disruptive homeless people.

    This is an excellent, new, clean, and well organized library in West End. There is a lot of seating…read moreand reading spaces, but it smells foul in some areas because some of the patrons are homeless hanging out/sleeping inside. The service desk employee was friendly and knowledgeable and got me signed up for a new DC Library Card quickly. I love that the library is delivery connected to the Bluestone Lane (cafe/sandwich/breakfast spot).

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    West End Neighborhood Library - Plenty of single and group seating options.

    Plenty of single and group seating options.

    West End Neighborhood Library
    West End Neighborhood Library

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    Northeast Neighborhood Library

    Northeast Neighborhood Library

    4.4(16 reviews)
    1.5 miCapitol Hill

    The Northeast DC Library has such a special place in my heart. When I first moved to DC nearly 10…read moreyears ago, I lived two blocks away. I was funemployed for a few months and would stroll over, eat a bagel sandwich from the nearby Jacob's Coffee House, eat it at the outdoor tables under the beautiful trees, then head inside the library to explore books, magazines, and more. I'm a library person through and through so admittedly I love any library, but this one is truly a gem and so important to the neighborhood. I know that it is the fourth-oldest branch in DC and was fully renovated in 2014. There are several levels. The top floor is children and teen books and features board books, all sizes of tables for all sizes of humans, and some toys. Story time happens up there. It is nice that floor is separate so the families with young kids can feel more at ease. The main floor has, in addition to books, magazines, an area to pick up your reserve holds, lots of places to sit (the main reading room), and more. There is a half-floor between the main and upper floor featuring meeting rooms. I believe there is also a large meeting room in the basement that is used for events. And, a general note about DCPL! If you have a card, be sure that you also download the app. You can scan your barcode for self-checkout in person, and manage your library account easily from there. Accessibility: There is a ramp outside, on the right side, near the patio, and there are working elevators inside. So much love for this library. It is cozy, charming, and feels timeless. It will always be there for me, and for you.

    As libraries go this one is so enchanting. I love the building... the ambiance .... It's…read morenostalgic! And oddly beautiful.

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    Northeast Neighborhood Library
    Northeast Neighborhood Library
    Northeast Neighborhood Library

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    DC History Center - museums - Updated July 2026

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