Which is the Biggest Library in the world?
VerifiedAnswer: Library of Congress in USA
Explanation:
The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., United States holds the prestigious title of being the world's largest library by collection size. This magnificent institution serves as the research library for the U.S. Congress and is considered the national library of the United States.
What makes the Library of Congress truly remarkable is its massive collection. The library houses over 173 million items spanning across various formats and languages. This incredible collection includes approximately 17 million books, 14 million photographs, 5.5 million maps, 8.1 million pieces of sheet music, 3.6 million recordings, and countless manuscripts, prints, and drawings.
The library's history dates back to 1800 when it was established to serve members of Congress. Over the centuries, it has grown exponentially through purchases, donations, and copyright deposits. One interesting fact is that the library receives copies of every work published in the United States through copyright law, which continuously adds to its vast collection.
The physical size of the Library of Congress is equally impressive. It occupies three massive buildings on Capitol Hill: the Thomas Jefferson Building, the John Adams Building, and the James Madison Memorial Building. These buildings contain approximately 838 miles of bookshelves, and if you were to walk through all the shelves, it would take you several weeks!
Beyond books, the Library of Congress preserves cultural treasures from around the world. It maintains collections in over 470 languages, making it truly international in scope. The library also houses important historical documents, including original manuscripts from famous authors, historical maps, and rare photographs that document human civilization.
While other libraries around the world are also massive, such as the British Library in London or the National Library of China in Beijing, none can match the sheer volume and diversity of materials housed in the Library of Congress. It continues to grow daily, adding approximately 15,000 items to its collection each working day, ensuring its position as the world's largest library remains unchallenged.
