CIA Library

The CIA Library is a research facility within the intelligence agency's Virginia compound that maintains collections of classified and unclassified materials on international affairs, security topics, and intelligence methods. The holdings support ongoing analysis and operations conducted by agency staff and include specialized resources unavailable elsewhere.

The library was established in 1956 under Director Allen Dulles to provide intelligence professionals with specialized research materials. Since its founding, it has grown its collections and become a core facility supporting the agency's research and analysis functions.

The library serves as a workspace where agency staff gather to research intelligence topics and share knowledge about global affairs. Personnel use the collection daily to support their work on classified and unclassified intelligence matters.

Access to the facility requires proper security clearance and authorization from the agency. Visitors must follow standard security protocols and can only consult materials appropriate for their clearance level.

A 2022 renovation added video conferencing rooms, an auditorium, and private meeting areas alongside the historical collection. This modernization provides contemporary collaborative spaces while preserving the facility's original archival sections.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 37.95210,-77.14520

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:46