The Library of Congress Is the Largest in the World

While its primary role is to serve the United States Congress, the Library of Congress has grown into the de facto national library of the U.S. and a global cultural institution. Established in 1800, the library's original collection was destroyed in 1814 when British forces burned the Capitol during the War of 1812. Former President Thomas Jefferson offered his personal library of 6,487 books as a replacement, creating the foundation (Review) for the diverse and expansive collection that exists today. Jefferson's belief in a universal collection, covering all subjects, continues to guide the library's acquisition policies.

The Library's holdings extend far beyond books, encompassing a vast array of materials in more than 470 languages. Its collections include the world's largest collection of maps, comic books, and newspapers. Among its treasures are one of only three perfect copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the largest rare-book collection in North America, and millions of photographs, films, and sound recordings.

Housed across three main buildings on Capitol Hill, the institution is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. While its initial purpose was to be a reference library for legislators, it now serves the entire nation and the world. The library's vast resources are accessible to the public for research and exploration, and it even preserves a digital archive of public tweets. From its fiery beginnings to its status as a monumental repository of human knowledge, the Library of Congress stands as a testament to the enduring power of information.