Photography on Library Premises

AGENCY:

Library of Congress.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Library of Congress is issuing this final rule to amend its regulations regarding photography on Library premises. This amendment updates terminology, institutes a permit process for posed, staged, or otherwise directed or organized photography (now defined in the regulation as "formal photography for personal use"), and clarifies the types of photography that require permission from the Director of Communications.

DATES:

Effective March 19, 2026.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Terri Humphries, Special Assistant, Library of Congress Office of the General Counsel, (202) 707-6316, [email protected].

List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 702

Libraries, Federal buildings and facilities.

§ 702.4 Photographs.

(a) Scope. This section establishes rules for photography on Library of Congress premises. The section applies to all photography, videography, and filming activities through any device or technology.

(b) Directions. All photography on Library premises must comply with all posted signs and rules of behavior that the Library may prescribe and all persons involved in the photography must comply with all directions from Library personnel and U.S. Capitol Police personnel.

(c) Definitions. (1) For purposes of this section:

Formal photography for personal use includes posed or staged individual or group portrait sessions, engagement or wedding photography, modeling shoots, graduation or other special occasion photography, non-commercial content creation, or any other photography involving directing or organizing subjects. The photographer may be paid or unpaid. The resulting photographs are for personal, non-commercial use.

Informal photography for personal use is spontaneous casual tourist photography of the kind a typical visitor engages in and does not involve any supplemental equipment. The resulting photographs are for personal, non-commercial use.

Supplemental equipment is any photography enhancement equipment beyond the single device capturing the images. It includes, but is not limited to: any form of supplemental lighting, light sources, modifiers, stands; handheld or other external microphones, recording, or sound equipment; props, costumes, backdrops; tripods or other devices that rest on surfaces or permit separation between the photographer and the photographic equipment; or any other specialized or professional equipment.

(2) The determination of whether photography is "formal," "informal," or "spontaneous" as used in this section is at the sole discretion of the Library.

(d) Formal photography for personal use. Formal photography for personal use is permitted only during specific times and in specific locations that the Library may prescribe. Individuals or groups wishing to engage in formal photography for personal use must request a permit through the Library's photography permitting system. The Director of the Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement, or designee, is authorized to grant or deny permission for formal photography for personal use and may set the conditions under which the photography may take place, including limited use of supplemental equipment. Photography sessions may be subject to cancellation by the Library for reasons including, but not limited to, closure of Library buildings for inclement weather, maintenance or security emergencies, or special events. Library users can request a permit at: www.loc.gov/visit/photosessions.

(e) Informal photography for personal use. Informal photography for personal use does not require a permit or specific permission, provided that all such photography must be conducted consistent with § 702.2 and other applicable regulations in this part.

(f) Spontaneous photography of matters of public concern. Spontaneous photography of matters of public concern does not require a permit or specific permission, provided that all such photography must be conducted consistent with § 702.2 and other applicable regulations in this part.

(g) All other photography. All other photography requires specific permission from the Library of Congress Office of Communications. This includes, but is not limited to, photography for commercial, promotional, or news purposes via television, online, or other media channels; photography involving significant supplemental equipment; or any photography involving use of the Library name, seal, logo, staff, or collections. Requests for permission must be made at least one week prior to the proposed photography. The Director of Communications, or designee, is authorized to grant or deny permission and may set the conditions under which the photography may take place, including conditions for cancellation. Contact the Office of Communications at [email protected].

(h) Violations -(1) Immediate termination. The Library is authorized to immediately terminate any photography on Library premises that disrupts or interferes with other people's safety or access to Library buildings or collections, or otherwise violates this part.

(2) Barment. Any individuals or groups who violate any provision of this section may be subject to the penalties described in § 702.14, including removal from Library premises and prohibition from further use of Library facilities.