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Local History & Genealogy ReReference Services (Researcher and Reference Services)
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Announcements & Contact Information

The Local History & Genealogy Reading Room moved into the Main Reading Room on Monday, November 25, 2013. Services remain unchanged!

The Library of Congress has undertaken plans to consolidate the services of several reading rooms, including the Local History & Genealogy Reading Room into the Main Reading Room. The Library�s movement to consolidate reference services reflects and supports changes that have and continue to occur in how content is accessed, the expanding communication options, and the more effective use of space. The Local History & Genealogy Reading Room has closed. Hours of service have not changed. All services continue, which include:

  • Full service to one of the leading genealogical collections in the country, a carefully selected reference collection, and access to the Library�s electronic resources
  • Reference specialists on duty to help you with your research
  • One-on-one consultations with a specialist by appointment
  • Research orientations and tours
  • Ask-a-Librarian reference service

Contact Information

The Library of Congress encourages researchers to use local library resources first. Your local library will often be able to respond to your query more quickly than the Library of Congress, and is better able to identify and respond to your specific and ongoing needs. In many cases, you will find that the information you need is available at your local library. Once you have exhausted local and regional resources, you may direct specific enquiries to the Library of Congress by writing a letter or sending an email to one of the addresses given below. Your enquiry should explain what resources you have already consulted. The Library refers telephone reference questions to local libraries, which in most cases will have the resources to answer those questions. Due to time and staff constraints, the Library of Congress is not able to undertake extensive genealogy and heraldry research projects; a list of certified genealogists who will do such projects for a fee is available from the Board for Certification of Genealogists.

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Genealogical reference queries sent to this address are forwarded to the Local History and Genealogy Section and will be answered in turn with other postal and electronic queries. Please include your name, postal address, and electronic mail address in any queries, so that we may respond in the manner that is most appropriate.
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Humanities and Social Sciences Division
Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. SE
Washington, D.C. 20540-4660
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Reading Room: (202) 707-5537
Fax: (202) 707-1957

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  March 24, 2022
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