At a time when many Americans are concerned about job security, at least one position stands out as a steady one: librarian at the largest library in the world.
The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., has had just 13 librarians since its inception more than 200 years ago. Today, that individual manages a collection of more than 142 million items, including 20 million books – less than half of which are in English.
No books were visible until reaching the main reading room of the library, where researchers go to retrieve and peruse their requested materials. Five stories of books cover floor-to-ceiling shelves, with additional items in storage in other buildings.
“I expected there to be a lot of books, but seeing them on the shelves, all the different colors, was pretty amazing,” senior Amy Applegarth said.
One of the feature exhibits of the library is Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection of books, which cover subjects ranging from law and architecture to religion and Shakespeare. The former president sold his 6,500 volumes – the largest private collection in the world at the time - to start rebuilding the Library of Congress after its first home, the original capitol building, was destroyed by fire in 1814.
Originally established to serve Congressmen, the international library is now open to anyone wanting to do research in 92 different languages.
Still, no materials are lent outside the Thomas Jefferson building, which is dedicated to the “expansion of wisdom and knowledge.”
The building itself hardly looks like a library. Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, the Great Hall just inside the entrance bears a remarkable resemblance to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, complete with 24 karat gold plating.
Made almost entirely of marble, the architecture and design are impressive, but noticeable grooves have been worn into the many stairs by years of visitors. Mosaics and paintings cover the floors and ceilings and line the walls throughout the building, which opened in 1897.
“I really liked the ceilings,” sophomore Amanda Bouc said. “I kept looking up a lot because all the paintings were fascinating and very unique.”
An aged tour guide offered colorful anecdotes for the Doane students as he showed them the Gutenberg Bible and commented on the lack of credit given to women in the building’s many dedications of statues and paintings.
While students will continue their sightseeing up until inauguration day, sites, such as the Library of Congress, gave students an opportunity to experience the city firsthand.
Studying history before they live it.
