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Open a book and you open the door to a new world. The Library of Congress welcomes children, teens and adults to the Young Readers Center, a place especially designed for young people.

Books in the Young Readers Center

Young people are encouraged to explore the center’s library of current and classic books, which can be read onsite. Adults can also read aloud to their children from a selection of preschool-appropriate books by the nation’s best authors and illustrators. This collection of books is noncirculating, and readers are encouraged to check with their school and local public libraries for copies that they can borrow and enjoy at home to complete their reading.

Internet Access

Parents and caregivers can safely explore the Internet at one of two stations in the Young Readers Center. These two computers only access kid-friendly websites

Read.gov

Read.gov is the Center for the Book’s new website for readers of all ages. The site offers pages specifically designed for kids and teens, as well as adults, educators and parents. A special feature of the site is an exclusive story, called “The Exquisite Corpse Adventure.”

Programs

National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
In 2008 the Library named its first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. The position was created to raise national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education and the development and betterment of the lives of young people. During the two-year term, the National Ambassador travels the country to promote the importance of reading by young people. The program is administered in collaboration with the Children’s Book Council.


Books & Beyond for Young People
The center is a place where visiting authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults can discuss their work, and audiences will be able to meet and ask questions of their favorite authors. These authors and artists will make presentations as part of the Books & Beyond author series of the Center for the Book.


Educational Programming
The Young Readers Center offers programs that interpret the Library’s online materials for young readers and their educators. Readers can learn how to use the Library’s millions of online primary sources in their studies, and teachers can learn how to incorporate these materials in their classroom presentations.


Specialized Programming
The Young Readers Center is eager to tailor programs to accommodate special requests. If your classroom or organization would like to visit the center on a specific date, staff will do its best to accommodate your needs and interests. Call the Young Readers Center at (202) 707-1950.

Young Readers Center
Thomas Jefferson Building
Room LJ G29 (ground floor)
10 First St. S.E.
Washington, DC 20540

Hours:
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
(closed all federal holidays)

(202) 707-1950