Skip to Main Content

DC History & Local Area Studies: Newspapers Published in DC

This guide recommends resources about the history, local government, and current situation in Washington, D.C.

List of Current DC Newspapers

Online Historical Newspaper Databases

Library of Congress Newspaper Collection: Print, Digital and Microfilm

Newspaper & Current Periodical Reading Room is located in Library of Congress Madison Building, Room LM133, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington DC (202) 707-5690. The Library of Congress has the most comprehensive collection of newspapers in the United States.

Some newpapers have been digitized and may be accessed through through the Library of Congress website.

The Madison Building is located across the street from the Capitol South Metro stop on the Blue or Orange Line.

To use the Library of Congress collections, first obtain a Reader Identification Card.

D.C. Public Library Print & Microfilm

NOTE: THE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL LIBRARY IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATION.

The Washingtoniana Collection is the local history section of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library (MLK) which is the main branch of the D.C. Public Library.  Washingtoniana is part of MLK's Special Collections.

Washingtoniana has:

  • 25 million newspaper clippings filed by subject from the Washington Star and other major DC newspapers
  • Microfilm of all major daily local newspapers, 1800-present
  • Microfilm of major African-American newspapers published in D.C.
  • Selected microfilm of early Georgetown papers
  • Bound indices for selected years of the Star, Post and Washington Times
  • Extensive vertical file collection

Click here for newspaper holdings of Washingtoniana (as reported to the Library of Congress)

The Washingtoniana is located in room 307.  The MLK Library is located at 901 G Street, N.W. at the Gallery Place Metro 9th St. exit. Call to confirm hours. (202) 727-1213. http://dclibrary.org/research/collections