Library of Congress - Washington, DC

Address:101 Independence Ave. SE
Washington, District of Columbia
Tel: (202) 707-8000

Need something interesting to read? You're sure to find all the books you're looking for at the Library of Congress, the oldest cultural institution in the United States, which houses one of the world's largest collections of books (three buildings filled with over 530 MILES of them).

The Library of Congress, located in Washington, D.C. specializes in written materials, photographs, and recordings for the use of the U.S. Congress and the American people. Highlights include the over 30 million books and other printed materials, as well as millions of photographs and recordings. A special treat for bibliophiles is the collection of rare books, the largest collection in North America, including a Gutenberg Bible and the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence.

The Library of Congress was established in 1800 when the capital of the U.S. moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. Thomas Jefferson signed a law in 1802 which established the structure of the Library of Congress to house the nation's growing book collection and Jefferson's own private collection which he donated to the new library. In 1851 a fire destroyed 35,000 volumes, about two-thirds of the library's collection. After the American Civil War, the library regained strength, with the incredible aid of librarian Ainsworth Rand Spofford, and within just a few years became the nation's largest library, tied with the Boston Public Library. The collection expanded and began to fill more and more structures, eventually consolidating into the current three buildings and winning The Guinness Book of World Record's title as the "World's Largest Library."

The Library of Congress is open to the public for research and tours, but need special permission (available at the Madison building to anyone over age 16 with a photo ID) to access the collection. Not to be missed is the National Book Festival at the Library of Congress, held in the early fall. Special exhibits and activities for kids are also available at the National Book Festival and at the Library of Congress year round.

The three Library of Congress buildings are located in the nation's capital, in Washington, D.C. The main building, the Thomas Jefferson Building is located on First Street SE between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street. The John Adams Building in located on Second Street SE between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street. And the James Madison Memorial Building is located on Independence Avenue SE between First and Second Streets. Check for tour times and don't forget to bring photo ID!

The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with more than 130 million items on approximately 530 miles of bookshelves. The collections include more than 29 million books and other printed materials, 2.7 million recordings, 12 million photographs, 4.8 million maps, and 58 million manuscripts.