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](https://www.loc.gov/exhibitions/declarations-promise/about-this-exhibition). If we have time, we can also visit [The Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/the-source/about-this-program/) 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/](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](https://www.wmata.com/service/index.cfm). **MEETING POINT:** We wi