Pre-Convention Open House at the Library of Congress

In celebration of the 57^th annual convention of the Association for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies, the Library of Congress will offer a pre-conference open house for ASEEES members. Visit the European Reading Room and the Great Hall, view a display of rare or intriguing Central and Eastern European materials from our collections, and meet the staff who curate these collections. Taking place in the beautiful Jefferson Building across the street from the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pm.

The event is free and open to all attendees of the conference, but requires registration with an e-ticket.

Please register with this link:

https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/82654994/slaviceast-europeanand-eurasian-studies-open-house-washington-events-from-the-library-of-congress

What to expect from our open house? You might stroll past the Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, and Golden Globes won by American composer Marvin Hamlisch as you make your way to the display rooms. In the Rosenwald Room you can view stunning treasures from our regions of the world such as the 14^th century Nekcsei-Lipócz Bible or a rare 1494 incunable from Montenegro. Be sure to take in the overlook, open just for our group, to the Main Reading Room. As you pass through the foyer of the Hispanic Reading Room you will enjoy the colorful murals by Brazilian artist Cândido Portinari before you engage with our staff who will show you fascinating contemporary and historic publications ranging from Bosnian election ephemera to a selection of comic books to an interesting Russian take on a Star Wars movie poster. A few steps further is the Hall of Elements, otherwise known as the European Reading Room, with more items on display. At the very least you will see a lot of marble interiors and a good view of the Capitol at night!

No refreshments will be served during the open house, but afterwards you might wish to dine at one of the many restaurants on the Hill in the Eastern Market area around 7^th-8^th streets.

The displays will be in the Rare Book and Special Collections Rosenwald Room and the Hispanic and European Reading Rooms, located at the back of the building on the second floor. Enter through the Carriage Entrance under the grand outside staircase. Come through the center door. Staff will be at the entrance to direct you once you pass through security.  Attendees may stagger their arrival if they wish, but the open house will end at 7:30 pm.

LC staff also will offer brief tours of the Great Hall at designated times between 6 and 7 pm. Interested parties should gather outside the Rosenwald room for a tour. The exhibits area will be closed on Wednesday evening, so if you want to see The Two Georges exhibition https://www.loc.gov/exhibitions/two-georges/about-this-exhibition/, you will need to return on a different day and get timed entry tickets as a tourist.

Please direct questions to Angela Cannon [email protected] or Michael Neubert [email protected]