Library of Congress

facility

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the world's largest library and a major repository of knowledge and cultural heritage. Its vast collections of books, recordings, photographs, maps, manuscripts, and more document and preserve humanity's creative endeavors for the future.

Library of Congress History

• 1800: Founded as the Library of Congress for the United States
• 1814: Burned during the War of 1814
• 1815: Reconstructed from Thomas Jefferson's personal library
• Late 19th century: Also acts as a copyright registration agency
• 20th century: Expanding the collection to include cultural heritage from around the world

Representative collections and services

• collection:

  • Holdings of over 170 million items
  • A wide range of materials are collected, including prints, photographs, maps, sheet music, audio recordings, films, and websites.
  • The museum also houses many valuable historical documents, including the Gutenberg Bible, the Declaration of Independence, and the Lincoln Letter.

• service:

  • Librarian of Congress research support
  • Copyright Registration
  • Use of materials in public reading rooms
  • Access digital materials online
  • Exhibitions and events

The significance and influence of the Library of Congress

More than just a library , the Library of Congress is at the heart of America's intellectual and cultural life , with its vast collections and diverse services a source of knowledge and inspiration for scholars, students, and the public.

• Supporting intellectual exploration:

  • Providing access to valuable materials and information for researchers around the world
  • Promoting academic exchange and joint research

• Educational enrichment:

  • Providing an essential learning and research resource for students and teachers
  • Library staff will provide guidance and hold workshops.

• Cultural preservation and inheritance:

  • Preserving and restoring valuable materials to pass on cultural heritage to future generations
  • Digitized materials will be made available online for global access.

The Library of Congress serves as a beacon of knowledge and culture, supporting human creativity and illuminating the future.