What is Ask a Librarian?

Ask a Librarian is an easy way for people to get in touch with the staff at the Library of Congress. Whether you're near or far, you can send in your reference questions and get answers via email. We receive a wide range of questions, and once yours is submitted, we’ll route it to the person or office best suited to help. Our goal is to respond within five business days.
 

How Do I "Ask a Librarian?" 

[Librarians classifying books at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.] / Louden.
[Librarians classifying books at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.] / Louden. 1933. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.

On the Ask a Librarian homepage, you can choose the specific area of the Library you'd like to contact. If you aren't sure where, please feel free to submit a general question. Each Library reading room also has its own Ask a Librarian form linked directly from its page.

If you would like to know more about this service, please check out the blog posts below!

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Last Updated: Jan 27, 2025
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