
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the United States and one of the world’s most important research institutions. Located in Washington, D.C., it is home to more than 160 million items, including books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and audio and video recordings. The Library also has an extensive digital collection that includes millions of digitized items. Established in 1800, the Library of Congress serves as the national library of the United States and as a research center for Congress. It is also a resource for scholars, researchers, and the general public. The Library’s collections are housed in three buildings on Capitol Hill: the Thomas Jefferson Building, the John Adams Building, and the James Madison Memorial Building.