Library of Congress and Public Libraries
In 1814 (during the War of 1812) the British army burned down the U.S. Capitol and the first Library of Congress, about 3,000 volumes.
Thomas Jefferson had the largest private collection of books in the United States and Congress asked to buy his books as replacement. Jefferson's private library was three times larger than the one that was lost, about 9-10,000 volumes, and included many books on topics not related to law or government. Because of his collection, the Library of Congress changed to become a library of the people, not just the government. He also promoted the idea that libraries should be about all the subjects people might need to become more educated about their lives and the world.
What you can do at a library today is limited only by your imagination: Come learn a new craft or a new language, discover your family history, meet people, journey to new or impossible places, or more...
Check out 52 ways you can use your library card (one for each week of the year) and stop in to give them a try!
