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Library of Congress

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The grand Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress, filled with bookshelves and beautiful architecture.

The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is a very special research library in Washington, D.C.. It helps the United States Congress and is the main national library of the United States. Imagine a huge treasure chest full of books, maps, music, and more—it holds over 170 million items!

A Big History

The Library of Congress began in 1800 when President John Adams signed a law to create a library for Congress. At first, it had only 740 books and three maps. Later, President Thomas Jefferson helped by selling his personal books after a fire destroyed many early books. Today, it is the largest library in the United States and has grown into three beautiful buildings.

Amazing Collections

The Library of Congress has many special items, like the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and a Gutenberg Bible. It also has millions of maps, pieces of music, sound recordings, and photographs. The library even has its own way to organize books, called Library of Congress Classification, which many other libraries use.

Beautiful Buildings

The Library of Congress has three main buildings in Washington, D.C., connected by underground paths. The oldest is the Thomas Jefferson Building, opened in 1897. Then there is the John Adams Building, opened in 1939, and the James Madison Memorial Building, finished in 1980. These buildings are like giant, grand houses full of knowledge.

Images

The grand exterior of the Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., showcasing its impressive architecture and domed roof.
The grand Library of Congress inside the U.S. Capitol Building – a famous place full of books and history!
A busy library filled with rows of books and newspapers, perfect for learning and exploration.
The grand exterior of the Library of Congress building in Washington, D.C.
A historic copy of the Gutenberg Bible, one of the earliest major books printed using movable type, preserved in the US Library of Congress.
The John Adams Building, the second building constructed for the Library of Congress, opened in 1939 and was originally called 'The Annex.'
The South Reading Room inside the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., featuring colorful murals by artist Ezra Winter.
A classical statue of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and peace, depicted in an artistic and educational manner.
The Great Hall of the Library of Congress features beautiful architecture and a large mosaic of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom.
The Great Hall inside the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., showcasing beautiful architecture and artwork.
Historical photograph showing the construction of the Thomas Jefferson Building of the US Library of Congress in the late 19th century.
The James Madison Memorial Building, home to the United States Copyright Office in Washington, D.C.

Related articles

Washington, D.C.
United States
United States Congress
Thomas Jefferson
United States Declaration of Independence

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