U.S.-based colossal library stands as the world's largest.
The Evolution and Magnitude of the Library of Congress
Established in Washington, D.C., the Library of Congress serves as a testament to human history, housing an extensive collection of three million books and growing day by day. Founded in 1800, it initially had 740 books, but has since expanded exponentially.
Country's Capital's Illumination
The Library of Congress was instituted in the spring of 1800 to provide resources for Congress. Initially housed in the Capitol, the collection took a significant hit during the War of 1812, when a fire set by British forces left the library in ashes. Afterwards, Thomas Jefferson, a knowledge enthusiast, donated his personal library of 6,487 volumes, which encompassed a wide array of subjects, from philosophy to the natural sciences. This bequeathing marked a turning point for the institution, as it expanded its horizons to accommodate various disciplines, languages, and cultures.
A Palace for Knowledge
Just a few steps away from the Capitol, the Thomas Jefferson Building beckons as many curious visitors as bibliophiles with its neo-Renaissance architecture, featuring bronze lions and grand staircases. The interior of the building is no less spectacular, boasting mural frescoes, gilded mosaics, and polychrome marble. The iconic Main Reading Room, under the dome, is adorned with stained glass windows that cast colored light across the galleries and allegorical statues symbolizing the great disciplines of knowledge. Over the decades, the library has expanded, with the addition of the John Adams Building in Art Deco style, followed by the James Madison Memorial Building.
A Living Collection
Beyond the monumental columns of the institution, ceaseless activity unfolds. Thousands of new documents – books, newspapers, maps, films – arrive daily from around the world. The legal deposit system requires everything published in the United States to be automatically added to the library's collection, and this is supplemented by purchases, donations, and international exchanges. This mechanism is managed by 3,000 employees, making the Library of Congress a dynamic and evolving collection.
Treasures for All
The Library of Congress, open to all, allows visitors to consult a significant portion of its collections on-site. Researchers, students, and the public can access numerous emblematic works such as the Gutenberg Bible, which is part of the special collections, accessible only under specific conditions. On-site accessibility is subject to exceptions for rare, valuable, or fragile items.
The Digital Universe
Since 1993, the digital revolution has transformed the Library of Congress, drawing in millions of visitors from across the globe eager to browse previously inaccessible treasures. Documents such as the photograph of the Treaty of Versailles' signing and iconic images of the Great Depression are available online. Moreover, the "Ask a Librarian" function enables anyone, anywhere, to engage with American specialists day and night. In 2023, librarians handled 681,000 research inquiries.
A Sudden Political Twist
In 2025, the Library of Congress was thrust into an unexpected political drama with the abrupt dismissal of its director, Carla Hayden. Appointed in 2016, she was the first woman and the first African American to lead the institution. Her eviction, announced by a simple email, sparked wide-spread outrage in the American cultural community. This event, unprecedented in the library's long history, has left spectators wondering about the future of the institution.
In the digital era, the Library of Congress showcases a broad expanse of knowledge, extending its reach beyond books to include online resources on diverse subjects like in-flights, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and travel, making it a valuable resource for the modern researcher.
Exploring the Library of Congress' vast collection, one can find valuable insights not only on human history but also on contemporary subjects, offering a glimpse into various aspects of life reflected in its myriad of offerings.
