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The Library of Congress

by
Richard
BK
Matt

The Library of Congress is an important part of Washington D.C. and our nation. A copy of every book published in the United States is in the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress is the largest and the best known library in the world. The nation has it as a research room and an interesting reading room for many people. Everyone is invited to come and learn at the Library of Congress. It is truly an incredible place.

The Library of Congress is a very interesting building. The Library was originally part of the Capitol Building in the early 1800’s. In 1814, when the library was still part of the Capitol Building, the British burned most of it down so the Congress generously paid $168,700.00 to buy more books. Along with that the library purchased Thomas Jefferson’s personal library, because of this the main room is named after Thomas Jefferson. The library became too big for the Capitol and needed a new home. The new library was completed and opened in 1897. It was designed by John L. Smithmyer and Paul J. Pelz. They were later replaced by army engineer Thomas Casey and civilan engineer Bernard Green. It took $6.5 million to build the library. The Main Reading Room is 160 ft. from floor to ceiling. The librbrary is situated directly south of the Capitol Building. The members of Congress have their own reading room. There are many interesting details about the Library of Congress that makes this building amazing.

The Library of Congress is a great place to visit. At first the Congress was only allowed to use the Library but now everyone can use it. Every book in it contains its own unique number assigned by the library. The library contains millions of books, pamphlets, newspapers, magazines, music, motion pictures, plays, and graphic art. It has 4 reading rooms. The Torch of Learning is located on top of the Thomas Jefferson building. The Library of Congress is an amazing building in Washington D.C.

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Updated: Aug 14, 2002  

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