As of March 10, 2020 the National Library of Medicine is open, but buildings are temporarily closed.

Due to COVID-19, the National Library of Medicine Reading Room remains closed to the public until further notice.

During this period, NLM online resources will remain available, including NLM Digital Collections and PubMed Central.

NLM will continue to provide interlibrary loan (ILL) services. For latest NLM ILL service information check this website: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/psd/cas/illhome.html.

Front of the National Library of Medicine building

Library Hours

Main Reading Room Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Visitors Center Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Reading Rooms and Visitors Center are closed on Federal holidays.

Coming to NLM

Procedures for visitors to NIH (including REAL ID requirements)
Directions and parking information
Hotels Near NIH

Researching at NLM

Lister Hill Center Sculpture

Visiting NLM and the NIH Campus

When you visit NLM on the NIH Campus, you should follow the procedures regarding Campus Access and Security.

Contact security at (301) 496-6010
Inquire about lost and found items at any of the guard stations in Building 38

Making the Most of Your Visit

Visit the NLM Welcome Page.
Take a tour of the Library.
Explore the Objects of Art in the National Library of Medicine.
Visit the interactive displays at the NLM Visitors Center.

Visitors at the History of Medicine Reading Room

Exploring the History of Medicine at NLM and Beyond

At NLM:

Take a tour of the History of Medicine Reading Room.
See the exhibitions.

Beyond NLM:

At the National Institutes of Health (NIH Map): The DeWitt Stetten, Jr., Museum of Medical Research
In Washington, D.C., visit Historic Medical Sites in the Washington, DC Area

Last Reviewed: June 11, 2021