Welcome to the Mount Vernon Library
The Mount Vernon Library and Archives serves scholars, teachers, and researchers examining the public and private life of George Washington. The Library/Archives is open by appointment only and those interested in using the Library/Archives should contact the Librarian well in advance to be sure adequate time is scheduled for the visit and so that pertinent materials can be prepared for the visitor. The Library is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. To make an appointment, please contact the Librarian (703-799-8637).
Because there is a wealth of widely available published information about George Washington, high school students should exhaust all local library resources before contacting the Mount Vernon Library. The Librarian and Mount Vernon staff are more than happy to explore topics and appropriate resources in other collections by email or by telephone. Bibliographies, research, and education materials on the website are continually updated for the general public.
Preparing for the Visit
All researchers should be prepared to present photo-identification showing a current address (such as a currently valid driver’s license or passport).
Researchers planning to use the Mount Vernon Library are strongly encouraged first to examine public, academic, or special libraries and other resources, so they can make efficient use of Mount Vernon’s holdings. This is a non-circulating, non-browsing facility in which the user explores the card catalog and discusses the topic in depth with the Librarian prior to the visit and on site so that appropriate resources can be retrieved by staff.
Limited photocopying is available for a fee. Laptops, other portable personal computers, and pencils can be used while researching. Voice recorders, cellular phones, beepers, and other portable electronic devices that might disturb researchers are not permitted in the reading room.
Mount Vernon welcomes researchers and makes every effort to connect users to appropriate resources.
Useful links to Washington’s writings are The Library of Congress and The Papers of George Washington.
