Existing comment:
Library Of Congress
In 1800, Congress allotted $5000 for the creation and management of a reference library. It took up one room in the Capitol building and was destroyed when the British burned Washington in 1814. Congress replaced most of the collection by buying Thomas Jefferson's collection--the former President was again in need of money.
A new building was procured, called the Jefferson Building (after Thomas of course), in 1897. Now three buildings, the main Jefferson Building is still the most famous. Its reading room is ornate as is most of the rest of the building. It was closed for renovation in the late 1980's and reopened in 1991. Other pictures show the inside of the building. It's fabulous! |