purpose to establish the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress was established by an act of Congress in 1800 to serve as the national library of the United States and to be a resource for Congress and the American people. The library was intended to serve as a reference collection for Congress and to provide access to a wide range of materials for the education and enjoyment of the American people. It was also intended to be a resource for scholars and researchers, both in the United States and abroad, who were interested in the history, culture, and heritage of the United States and the world.

Over the years, the library has grown and evolved, and it now serves a wide variety of functions. In addition to being a research institution and a resource for Congress and the American people, it is also the national copyright office and the main research arm of the Congressional Research Service. The library’s collections include millions of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other materials, and it is a major resource for researchers from around the world who are interested in the history and culture of the United States and the world.