The Library of Congress occupies a unique place in American civilization.  Established as a legislative library in 1800, it has grown to be the most influential of the national libraries of the world.  With collections totaling 138 million items and national and international services unmatched in scope by any other research library, the Library of Congress is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions.

The diversity of the Library of Congress is startling.  Simultaneously, it serves as a legislative library; the major research arm of the US Congress; the copyright agency of the United States; a center for scholarship that collects research materials in any media and in subjects from throughout the world,  with 460 languages represented in its collection; a public institution that is open without restrictions of charges; a government library; a national library for the blind and physically handicapped; an outstanding law library that is international in scope and service; has 93 million visits to its website making it the most visited government website; conserves 60 million manuscripts, 13 million photographs; cares for the world’s largest collection of maps, atlases, printed music, recorded music, motion pictures and television programs; is the home of the Nation’s Poet Laureate and is the Center for promoting reading in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Jefferson Building, opened in 1897 is a grand monument to civilization, culture and American achievement.  More than 2 million researchers, scholars and tourists visit the Library each year in person.  As a symbol of American democracy and faith in the power of learning to stimulate creativity and knowledge in those touched by books, The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress created Read it LOUD! as part of the Young Readers Center in the Thomas Jefferson Building.