In-Person Event: The Library of Congress & A New Summer Book Exchange!
THIS IS AN IN-PERSON EVENT IN WASHINGTON, DC. Back by popular demand is a trip to the Library of Congress--and a new summer book exchange event! We normally do a book exchange around the holidays. At the last one, folks said they would be interested in doing one during the summer--and taking in the new exhibit. So here it is! We will take in the treasures of the Library of Congress and then share lunch and a book exchange at the Madison Cafe in the Madison Building. Even if you have participated before, consider coming. There is an exciting new exhibit to see, and the book exchange has always been a lively and enjoyable event! Maybe you can bring the book you took home from one of our previous book exchanges! Please read through the entire description of the event. I have 19 passes for the 10am entry. I won't be doing a formal tour but will guide you through the Library. During our walk through, we may engage with one of the volunteers from the Library of Congress who can give more information about what we're looking at. WHAT WE WILL SEE: The walk through will introduce you to the basic elements of the Jefferson Building and the Madison Building. After entering the Jefferson Building and checking our items into the cloak room, we will move to the Main Floor. We may or may not have to get passes to do the walk through of the Reading Room. We will have to wait until the day of the tour to find out. If you wish to do the walk through, please see the information below about the special requirements for doing so. There are very strict requirements as to what you can bring into the Reading Room. You should plan accordingly. We will view the Gutenberg Bible and the Great Hall, and, if open, the Librarian’s Ceremonial Office. We will move up to the Second Floor to see the Main Reading Room Overlook, the Minerva Mosaic (and her crazy feet), the view of the U.S. Capitol, Thomas Jefferson’s Library. We will take in the new exhibit that includes Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence: The Declaration's Promise: A Revolutionary New Idea. If we have time, we can also visit The Source and/or Here to Stay: The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin. I recently visited The Source, and it is a remarkable addition to the Library. Around 11:45, we will pick up our items from the cloakroom and then use the tunnels to walk to the Madison Building for lunch and the book exchange at the 6th floor Madison Cafe. After lunch, there is a final surprise stop in the Madison Building if you’re willing to see one more thing! HOW TO GET YOUR ENTRY PASS: I have 19 passes for the 10am entry. You are allowed to bring two guests. THE BOOK EXCHANGE: The book exchange occurs during lunch. To participate in the book exchange that will occur during our lunch at the Madison Cafe (your expense), please bring a new or used, hardback or softcover book that is appropriate to share. After lunch, we will make the exchange (following a convoluted and I hope entertaining process that I will walk you through). You are welcome to attend the lunch even if you do not participate in the book exchange. WAIT LIST: If a wait list develops, people from the wait list will be moved automatically to the attending list if spots become available on the attending list. If you are put on the wait list, keep your eye on communications from Meetup as you will receive a notification that you're attending. If your plans change and you have requested one or more of my 19 tickets, please keep your RSVP current. FURTHER INFORMATION: GETTING THERE: https://www.loc.gov/visit/directions/. If you plan to take Metro, be sure to check for any service disruptions the day of: https://www.wmata.com/service/index.cfm. MEETING POINT: We will meet between 9:30 and 10:00am outside the the Visitor Entrance of the Thomas Jefferson Building on First Street SE between Independence Ave and East Capitol Street. Our entry time is 10:00am, so please plan accordingly to arrive no later than 9:45am. We have to enter the building together at 10am. If you do not meet us outside, keep looking at the comments on Meetup. I will try to post where we are so you can find us. SECURITY: All visitors must navigate “airport-like” security to enter the Thomas Jefferson Building; personal belongings and bags will be subject to a thorough search. Bags will also be searched upon your exit. PERSONAL BELONGINGS: There is a cloakroom available on the Ground Floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building. SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THE READING ROOM: The Reading Room has restrictions on what you can bring into the Room, including coats, oversized bags, and umbrellas. You can check non-permitted items at the cloakroom if you want to enter the Reading Room. For the restrictions, see Personal Belongings Restrictions at the Library of Congress, including items not allowed in Research Areas. ACCESSIBILITY: Library of Congress buildings are fully accessible. HEALTH CONCERNS: This event is mask-friendly. CANCELLATION: If the event has to be cancelled due to weather or circumstances beyond my control, I will try to give as much advance notice as possible. QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please reach out to me via direct message in Meetup. I will respond as soon as I can. I look forward to seeing you there to explore the Library of Congress and our inaugural summer book exchange! MaryBeth
