Library of Congress

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The Library of Congress in the U.S. Capitol Building LCCN2010649528

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Library of Congress, showing three levels crowded with stacks of books and newspapers LCCN2017646700

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Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. - c. 1902

Library of Congress and lawn

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States, located in Washington, D.C.. It is the largest library in the world by both shelf space and number of volumes. The Library's mission is to support the Congress in fulfilling its constitutional duties and to further the progress of knowledge and creativity for the benefit of the American people.

History

The Library of Congress was established on April 24, 1800, when President John Adams signed an act of Congress providing for the transfer of the seat of government from Philadelphia to the new capital city of Washington. Part of the legislation appropriated $5,000 "for the purchase of such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress... and for fitting up a suitable apartment for containing them." Thus, the Library of Congress was born.

Over the years, the Library has grown in size and scope. It has survived the War of 1812, during which its original collection was destroyed by fire, and has been the beneficiary of numerous gifts, including the vast personal library of Thomas Jefferson. The Jeffersonian collection formed the nucleus of the new Library when it was purchased by Congress in 1815.

Collections

The Library of Congress's collections include more than 170 million items on approximately 838 miles of bookshelves. The collections include more than 39 million cataloged books and other print materials in 470 languages, more than 72 million manuscripts, the largest rare book collection in North America, and the world's largest collection of legal materials, films, maps, sheet music, and sound recordings.

Building and Architecture

The Library of Congress is housed in three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.: the Thomas Jefferson Building, the John Adams Building, and the James Madison Memorial Building. The Thomas Jefferson Building, opened in 1897, is known for its classical facade and elaborately decorated interior, and is a landmark of American architecture.

Public Access and Services

The Library serves both the U.S. Congress and the American public. It is open to the public for research purposes, and anyone aged 16 and older may use the collections. The Library also provides a wide range of educational and public outreach programs, including tours, lectures, concerts, and other special events.

Digital Initiatives

The Library of Congress has embraced the digital age, digitizing millions of items from its collections and making them available online. Its digital initiatives aim to expand access to its resources, preserve its collections for future generations, and foster education and scholarship.

Administration

The Library of Congress is overseen by the Librarian of Congress, who is appointed by the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Librarian is responsible for setting policy and directing and supporting the Library's programs and activities.

Significance

As the de facto national library of the United States, the Library of Congress plays a critical role in American cultural and intellectual life. Its collections serve as a vast reservoir of knowledge and heritage, supporting the work of Congress, scholars, and the general public.