The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress sits just across the street on the eastern side of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.  Twice a year on President's Day and Columbus Day, the reading room is open to the public and photography is allowed.  On all other days, the room can be viewed through a large glass observation window on the second floor.  Although "No Photography" signs are clearly posted, many people are taking pictures with their smart phones as it is an un-staffed area.  

On the day I visited, librarian Judith Robinson was explaining to visitors the historical use of the card files and the Dewey Decimal System for keeping track of what books are on file at LOC.  She graciously agreed to pose for this picture.  

Typical card files inside the reading room, cataloging the millions of books.  This system is not in use anymore.  

The ceiling inside the reading room. 

One of eight panels inside the Library of Congress representing a literary genre, this one being Erotica.