It’s been awhile since I’ve been lost in a library. In fact I’m unsure if I’ve ever been lost in one. I have a newly set goal to learn enough about my newest library that I no longer get lost.
Wandering down in the tunnels between the Jefferson and Madison buildings of the Library of Congress I was reminded of the tunnels of…..the Congressional Buildings I wandered around in the week prior. Also the maze of tunnels of a prior employer. Given pretty decent directions by a friendly, if not a little dated, volunteer I relatively easily made my way to the office issuing cards. I had to tell a stretch of the truth to get my card; while I’m not exactly researching a topic I am, in general, researching interesting things about the library. That as a cover I made my way through the multi-step process and am now a proud cardholder of the Library of Congress.
Elated at my progress I felt comfortable again wandering halls in pursuit of the massive collection of materials I’ve heard about. Several minutes, floors and incorrect rooms later I finally stopped to ask for help from a staffer. I was told I was in the wrong building–I was still wandering in the building full of manuscripts and other deep research materials, not the general browsing/research/reading information. Once I finally made it to the main reading room I was at once under and overwhelmed. Seating was limited, it’s pin-drop quiet, I couldn’t figure out the filing system, the rooms to select materials were cramped and musty, many of the folks seated were clearly students, professors or real professionals and no-one was sleeping. I wandered in and out of a couple of the storage rooms, pulled out a few books, tried to make sense of the system based on the notes provided and finally decided I’d spent enough time in the reading room and made my way back up to the more-public areas of the building. It’s apparent the library is attempting to get folks to utilize the online ordering process vs. simply wandering around in hopes of finding material. That evident by all the brochures explaining how to order via their online catalog.
I made my way back to the coat/belongings check room, picked up my bag and headed on to the ‘non-cardholders sections’ of the Jefferson Building to take in a few more exhibits. Mission mostly accomplished: cardholder yet clueless. I’ll be back to the Main Reading Room at some point.
Rotating displays, side alcoves and exhibitions are everywhere. I took in as much (and as many) of the m as I was able on a single pass. I’m torn between the Civil War room, the Bob Hope room and the collection of bibles. Next time I’ll take in another handful and likely have a new list of favorites. Who knew so many things went on in a library~~a good chance most of the 1.7 million annual visitors have an idea; lucky for me I get to go back more often than the typical visitor!
