WHAT: Washington is filled with imposing edifices, and the three buildings that make up the Library of Congress are no exception. Yet, anyone 18 or older with a LOC library card can use any of the 22 reading rooms and access its 650 miles of bookshelves.

With its 160-foot-high dome, semicircles of stained glass depicting the seals of 48 states and bronze statues of Shakespeare, Homer and Beethoven perched on the top floor, the library's Main Reading Room has long been a refuge for some of the country's best-known writers, including Herman Wouk, David McCullough and David Baldacci.

DON'T MISS: Most tourists are familiar with the Thomas Jefferson Building, across from the Capitol. It's home to one of three copies of the Gutenberg Bible and a 1507 map notable for being the first document with the word America on it.

In a wired world, the idea of going to the library might seem quaint. But with more than 32 million books, the task of making everything available online is ongoing and will take years, so librarians encourage people to visit.

"There does come a point where you can't find everything online," says Marilyn Parr, the library's public services and collection access officer.

Parr says visitors have come seeking books they read as children; others are looking to research their family tree (Local History and Genealogy); and many travel from countries that lack collections.

Every region of the world is represented, some culturally like the entrance to the Hispanic Reading Room with murals by Candido Portinari, and deepblue Mexican tiles lining the walls. Spend a few hours reading, writing or just appreciating the world of books.

IF YOU GO: The Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE in Washington, is across from the Capitol and accessible by the Capitol South Metro station. 202-707-5000; www.loc.gov. Upcoming events: 202-707-8000.