Library of Congress
LibraryAbout
The Library of Congress is the de facto national library of the United States and the largest library in the world. Founded in 1800, it serves as a research library for the U.S. Congress and offers extensive resources to scholars, researchers, and the public. The library's collection includes over 173 million items, featuring a vast array of materials such as books, manuscripts, maps, and sound recordings in more than 470 languages. Located on Capitol Hill, the library spans three main buildings: the Thomas Jefferson Building, the John Adams Building, and the James Madison Memorial Building. It also includes facilities like the Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation in Virginia and storage facilities in Maryland. The library provides access to its collections through both physical and digital means, supporting research and learning with its rich historical and cultural treasures.
