The Library of Congress - Photos

Over the summer, I spent four weeks exploring the United States. I visited Atlanta, Boston and Chicago. I made my third visit to New York and my second visit to Washington DC.

I last visited Washington in 2017, in the days before Donald Trump's inauguration, but I wanted to explore the city in its regular setting.

On my previous visit, I did not get to visit the Library of Congress, which is opposite the Capitol Building.

The library dates back to 1800 and was originally located in the Capitol Building before moving to its present site towards the end of the 19th Century. Its purpose is to serve members of Congress, committees and staff, but it can be accessed by academics and researchers. The Library of Congress also created its own classification system, which is widely used in libraries around the world, alongside the Dewey Decimal System. I'll admit I have used its catalogue to locate data on items and to aid in cataloguing. 

Members of the public can access the library but must be pre-booked. This will give access to the Thomas Jefferson Building, which contains a number of exhibitions.

The highlight for me was viewing the recreation of the library of former US President Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826). His donation of 6487 volumes allowed for the creation of the library.

The main reading room is not open to the public, and bookings are required if you are accessing it for research purposes. 

The library holds a copy of the Gutenberg Bible. It is one of 120 copies published in the 15th century and is regarded as one of the first great titles to be printed on a printing press.

The Librarian's Ceremonial Office

Make the time when in Washington to visit this library.