Rule2026-05430
Photography on Library Premises
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
March 19, 2026
Effective
March 19, 2026
Issuing agencies
Library of Congress
Abstract
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 53 (Thursday, March 19, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 53 (Thursday, March 19, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13224-13225]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-05430]
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
36 CFR Part 702
[Docket No. 2026-01]
Photography on Library Premises
AGENCY: Library of Congress.
ACTION: Final rule.
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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,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d190518002d01020e430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="17637f627a577b787439707861">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Librarian of Congress is authorized to
make regulations with respect to the Library of Congress (2 U.S.C.
136). Since neither the Federal Register Act nor the Administrative
Procedure Act has binding effect on the legislative branch, the Library
of Congress is not required to publish its regulations in the CFR.
However, because the purpose of the CFR is to ``notify industry,
general business, and the people'' (Toledo, P & W.R.R. v. Stover, 60 F.
Supp. 587 (S.D. Ill. 1945)), it is appropriate for the Library to
continue publishing those regulations which affect the rights and
responsibilities of, and restrictions on, the public.
The Library of Congress is responsible for establishing standards
and regulations for the physical security, control, and preservation of
Library collections and property, and for the maintenance of suitable
order and decorum within the Library of Congress (2 U.S.C. 141b).
Consistent with that responsibility, the Library is amending this
regulation to enhance the safety of persons who use Library facilities,
to protect Library collections and property, and to prevent disruption
of the conduct of official business and of the timely and effective
provision of Library services. 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.
List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 702
Libraries, Federal buildings and facilities.
Final Regulation
In consideration of the foregoing, the Library of Congress amends
36 CFR part 702 as follows:
PART 702--CONDUCT ON LIBRARY PREMISES
0
1. The authority citation for part 702 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Sec. 1, 29 Stat. 544; 2 U.S.C. 136.
0
2. Section 702.4 is revised to read:
Sec. 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
[[Page 13225]]
inclement weather, maintenance or security emergencies, or special
events. Library users can request a permit at: <a href="http://www.loc.gov/visit/photosessions">www.loc.gov/visit/photosessions</a>.
(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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b6d8d3c1c5f6dad9d598d1d9c0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89e7ecfefac9e5e6eaa7eee6ff">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 Sec. 702.14,
including removal from Library premises and prohibition from further
use of Library facilities.
Dated: March 12, 2026.
Robert R. Newlen,
Acting Librarian of Congress.
[FR Doc. 2026-05430 Filed 3-18-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1410-10-P
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