The Library of Congress serves as the research arm of the United States Congress and is the de facto national library of the United States. Established in 1800, it is housed primarily in three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.: the Thomas Jefferson Building, the John Adams Building, and the James Madison Memorial Building.
The institution holds more than 173 million items, including books, manuscripts, recordings, photographs, maps, and sheet music. It functions as a major center for scholarly research and preserves a vast collection of American history and global cultural heritage, while also overseeing the U.S. Copyright Office.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Granite, Marble, Stucco
- Civilization
- United States
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Date(s)
- 1897 (Jefferson Building)
- Condition
- Active, fully operational
- Original Function
- Legislative library
- Key Figures
- Thomas Jefferson, Ainsworth Rand Spofford, John Russell Young
Founding and Early Years
1800-1814The library was established by an act of Congress in 1800. Its original collection was destroyed in 1814 when British troops burned the U.S. Capitol during the War of 1812.
The Jefferson Acquisition
1815To replace the lost collection, Congress purchased Thomas Jefferson's personal library of 6,487 books. This acquisition expanded the library's scope beyond purely legislative and legal texts to include a broad range of subjects.
Expansion and the Jefferson Building
1897After decades of overcrowding in the Capitol, the library moved into its own dedicated structure, the Thomas Jefferson Building. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, it was intended to be a 'temple of knowledge' for the American people.
Modern Growth
20th Century - PresentThe library expanded significantly with the addition of the John Adams Building (1939) and the James Madison Memorial Building (1980). Today, it continues to digitize its collections to provide global access to its vast archives.
Cultural Significance
The Library of Congress is a symbol of American intellectual life and democratic access to information. It serves as the primary repository for the nation's creative output through the copyright deposit system, ensuring that the cultural history of the United States is preserved for future generations.
Beyond its legislative role, the library acts as a global cultural institution, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and literary events. It is central to the American identity as a place where knowledge is curated, protected, and made available to the public.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Debates often center on the balance between the library's role as a restricted legislative research service and its mandate as a public national library. Additionally, there is ongoing discussion regarding the ethics and technical challenges of mass digitization of copyrighted materials.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open to the public for research and tourism. Visitors must obtain a free timed-entry pass for the Thomas Jefferson Building. Security screening is mandatory for all entrants.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are generally less crowded. The library is closed on Sundays and federal holidays.
Photography
Non-commercial photography is permitted in public areas without flash or tripods. Photography is prohibited in certain reading rooms and restricted collection areas.
Nearby POIs
16 shown- United States Capitol0.4 km
- National Museum of the American Indian1 km
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum1.3 km
- National Gallery of Art1.4 km
- National Archives Building1.6 km
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History1.9 km
- International Spy Museum1.9 km
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History2.2 km
Key Facts
- Materials
- Granite, Marble, Stucco
- Civilization
- United States
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible