Library of Congress

Washington, D.C., United States

The Library of Congress is the research library that officially serves the United States Congress, but which is the de facto national library of the United States. It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. The Library is housed in three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The library is the second-largest library in the world by collection size.

The Library of Congress moved to Washington in 1800, after sitting for eleven years in the temporary national capitals of New York and Philadelphia. The small Congressional Library was housed in the United States Capitol for most of the 19th century until the early 1890s. Most of the original collection had been destroyed by the British in 1814 during the War of 1812. To restore its collection in 1815, the library bought from former president Thomas Jefferson his entire personal collection of 6,487 books.

After a period of slow growth, another fire struck the Library in its Capitol chambers in 1851, again destroying a large amount of the collection, including many of Jefferson's books. The Library of Congress then began to grow rapidly in both size and importance after the American Civil War and a campaign to purchase replacement copies for volumes that had been burned from other sources, collections and libraries (which had started to appear throughout the burgeoning United States). The Library received the right of transference of all copyrighted works to have two copies deposited of books, maps, illustrations and diagrams printed in the United States. It also began to build its collections of British and other European works and then of works published throughout the English-speaking world.

This development culminated in the construction between 1888 and 1894 of a separate, extensive library building across the street from the Capitol, in the Beaux Arts style with fine decorations, murals, paintings, marble halls, columns and steps, carved hardwoods and a stained glass dome. It included several stories built underground of steel and cast iron stacks.

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Details

Founded: 1800
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in United States

More Information

www.loc.gov
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Tom Boot (2 months ago)
Gorgeous building inside and out. Very meticulous with decoration and nods to notable individuals. I went during the extended session on Thursdays open till 8pm. Worth it. You can watch a beautiful sunset behind the capitol building and enjoy a few drinks. Must be seen if in the area! Amazing. Definitely book tickets in advance!
Jane Jing (2 months ago)
It is free admission but you must reserve your time entry online and get your QR code handy for scan after the security check. When you get into main hall you will see the breathtaking structures. Impressive ceiling paintings, artistic mosaics. Especially the quiet reading room. I wish I have DC library Card. Definitely worth the visit. Highly recommend.
Kimberly Pham (2 months ago)
We were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit the Library of Congress. It’s an impressive place, rich with history about its origins. Beyond the stunning interior design, it was fascinating to see books once owned by Thomas Jefferson. There are security checks, so having fewer belongings will help you move through more quickly. Additionally, there's a tunnel that connects to the Capitol Building, making it convenient to visit both. Since the tour is self-guided, be sure to ask one of the volunteers for more information; they can provide valuable insights into the building's history.
Prasad Kaladi (3 months ago)
I recently visited the Library of Congress, and it was an awe-inspiring experience. The sheer size and scope of the collection was mind-boggling. I spent hours exploring the various exhibits, from the Thomas Jefferson Building's grand rotunda to the smaller, more intimate galleries. One of the highlights of my visit was the Great Hall, with its towering ceilings and intricate murals. I was particularly impressed by the Thomas Jefferson Room, where the original manuscript of the Declaration of Independence is housed. It was a surreal experience to see such a historic document up close. The Library of Congress offers a wealth of resources for researchers and scholars, but even for casual visitors like myself, it's a fascinating place to explore. The sheer beauty and grandeur of the building, combined with the rich history it represents, make it a must-see for anyone visiting Washington, D.C.
Elias Chelala (Chewy) (3 months ago)
The Library of Congress is not just a treasure trove of knowledge, but an unexpected gem for happy hour! I had the pleasure of attending two happy hours here, and both times were simply amazing. The ambiance is a perfect blend of history and elegance, making it a unique and unforgettable experience. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the selection of drinks and snacks was delightful. The opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine while surrounded by such rich history is something special. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a unique way to spend an evening in D.C. Cheers to the Library of Congress for such a fantastic offering!
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