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 number of items cataloged, with over 170 million items in its collections. Here are some key aspects of the Library of Congress:
History
- Foundation: The library was established on April 24, 1800, when United States Congress passed an act to appropriate funds for the purchase of books to serve as a reference resource for legislators.
- British Burning: In 1814, during the War of 1812, the British burned the Capitol, including the library. Thomas Jefferson offered his personal collection of 6,487 books to the government to rebuild the library, which was subsequently purchased for $23,950.
- Growth and Development: Over the years, the library's collections grew significantly through donations, purchases, and copyright deposits. In 1897, the Jefferson Building was constructed, symbolizing the library's status as a major cultural institution.
Collections
- The Library of Congress holds over 170 million items, including books, recordings, photographs, maps, sheet music, and manuscripts. Notable collections include:
Services
- Research: It serves as the research arm of the United States Congress and provides research assistance to Members of Congress and their staff.
- Cataloging: The library maintains the Library of Congress Classification system, widely used in libraries around the world.
- Preservation: The Library of Congress is actively involved in the preservation of both physical and digital materials, ensuring they are accessible for future generations.
- Public Access: While primarily serving Congress, the library is also open to the public for research purposes. It hosts numerous exhibitions, educational programs, and concerts.
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