The Library of Congress announced its January Live! At the Library programming, featuring special exhibitions, poetry, and live music during extended evening hours in Washington, D.C. The schedule includes a Wizard of Oz anniversary display, cultural performances, and commemorations tied to national history throughout the month.
The January edition of Live! At the Library highlights the Library of Congress’ ongoing effort to expand public access through after-hours programming, combining exhibitions, talks, and performances in its historic Thomas Jefferson Building. According to the Library of Congress, events run on Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m., offering visitors extended access to galleries and public spaces.
Live! At the Library: January Evening Programs
Live! At the Library is a weekly Thursday evening series hosted by the Library of Congress, allowing visitors to explore exhibitions and attend cultural programming after standard hours. The initiative is part of the Library’s broader visitor experience strategy, as outlined on loc.gov.
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Extended evening access | 5–8 p.m. Thursdays | Library of Congress confirms expanded public hours during Live! At the Library programming |
| January cultural events | Four major programs | Library of Congress event listings outline weekly performances and screenings in January |
Visitors are also invited to experience typically restricted spaces, including the Main Reading Room, which is usually reserved for credentialed researchers.
Meanwhile, the Great Hall hosts food and drinks for purchase, creating an informal entry point to the national library’s collections.
“The Music of Oz” and the 125th Anniversary Celebration
One of the central attractions is “The Music of Oz,” a special display marking the 125th anniversary of L. Frank Baum’s *The Wizard of Oz*. According to the Library of Congress, the exhibit includes reproduced lyric manuscripts, costume designs, and photographs from adaptations such as the 1939 film, *The Wiz*, and *Wicked*.
The display also features a reproduction of the only known lyric sketch for “Over the Rainbow,” drawn from the Library’s music collections. The exhibit is scheduled to remain on view through Jan. 31, as confirmed by official Library exhibition materials.
Poetry and Scholarship with Oludamini Ogunnaike
On Jan. 22, the Library of Congress will host a poetry reading and conversation with Nigerian-American poet and scholar Oludamini Ogunnaike. The event is part of Live! At the Library’s emphasis on contemporary voices engaging with historical collections.
According to the Library’s African and Middle Eastern Division, Ogunnaike’s work draws on West African Islamic poetic traditions, including the Sufi Qasida and Ghazal. A curated display from the division’s collections will be available for viewing prior to the program.
Founder’s Day Concert Featuring Tambuco
The January schedule concludes with the annual Founder’s Day concert on Jan. 29, featuring Grammy-nominated Mexican percussion ensemble Tambuco.
The Library of Congress states that the performance will present works by Latin American composers, ranging from intricate chamber pieces to expansive contemporary compositions.
The concert will take place in the Coolidge Auditorium at 8 p.m., continuing the Library’s tradition of marking its founding through live musical performance. Event details and registration information are provided directly by the Library.
Special Exhibitions, Extended Hours, and Visitor Experience
In addition to January programming, visitors can view multiple exhibitions, including displays marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps through the Veterans History Project. According to the Library of Congress, these displays include photographs, documents, and artworks reproduced from its collections.
Other exhibitions on view include “The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution” and “Collecting Memories: Treasures from the Library of Congress,” both extended into 2026. These offerings align with the Library’s stated mission to present its holdings in new and accessible formats.
Food for Thought
Live! At the Library in January presents a curated mix of literature, music, poetry, and national history through extended evening access. The programming reflects the Library of Congress’ ongoing effort to broaden public engagement with its collections.
By combining milestone anniversaries with contemporary performances, the Library positions Live! At the Library as both a cultural and educational platform rooted in official collections and public access.
Sources: Library of Congress – Live! At the Library, Library of Congress Exhibitions, and Library of Congress Press Release.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™,
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