The collections of the Library of Congress include more than 32 million cataloged books and other print materials in 470 languages; more than 61 million manuscripts; the largest rare book collection in North America, including the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, a Gutenberg Bible (one of only three perfect vellum copies known to exist); over a million US government publications; one million issues of world newspapers spanning the past three centuries; 33,000 bound newspaper volumes; 500,000 microfilm reels; over 6,000 titles in all, totaling more than 120,000 issues comic book titles; films; 5.3 million maps; 6 million works of sheet music; 3 million sound recordings; more than 14.7 million prints and photographic images including fine and popular art pieces and architectural drawings; the Betts Stradivarius; and the Cassavetti Stradivarius.
It is not the oldest library in the country, nor even the oldest one supported by taxes. But it is an amazing institution. When I was a student in Washington, I visited there several times. Since it was established originally as a resource for the members of Congress, one can only hope that they continue to make use of it while pondering matters of national and international import.
I have to admit, when I hear the members speak, I sometimes wonder ...
1 comment:
I'm sure our members of Congress visit the library some times. They host parties there.
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