The Library of Congress, established on April 24, 1800, is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. It serves as the research arm of Congress and is recognized as the largest library in the world by shelf space and number of volumes. The library's primary mission is to provide Congress, the government, and the American people with a rich, diverse, and enduring source of knowledge that can be relied upon to inform, inspire, and engage them. Located in three buildings in Washington, D.C., the Library of Congress boasts a collection of more than 170 million items, including books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts. Its collections include materials in over 450 languages, the world's largest collection of legal materials, films, maps, sheet music, and sound recordings. Did You Know? The Library of Congress holds the only complete collection of the U.S. Supreme Court's decisions since its inception. Additionally, it houses one of the world's four rem...

Read More

The New York Public Library (NYPL), established in 1895, stands as one of the largest public libraries in the United States and a prominent historical institution in New York City. With a commitment to free public access, the NYPL operates through a network of nearly 92 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, including research libraries and community branches. The library's flagship building, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, located on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, is renowned for its majestic lion statues named Patience and Fortitude that guard its entrance. The NYPL's collection is vast and diverse, encompassing over 55 million items ranging from books, e-books, and multimedia to rare manuscripts and historical artifacts. It serves millions of patrons annually, offering extensive resources for research, educational programs, and community engagement. Did You Know? The New York Public Library has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, making its ico...

Read More

The Boston Public Library (BPL) stands as a beacon of knowledge and culture in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1848, it holds the prestigious title of being the first large free municipal library in the United States. With its mission to provide public access to educational resources, the BPL has grown into one of the largest public library systems in the country, boasting millions of books, manuscripts, digital items, and more. Housed in an architecturally magnificent building in Copley Square, the library is not just a place for books; it's a cultural hub that hosts numerous events, art exhibitions, and educational programs throughout the year. The BPL's central library consists of two buildings: the historic McKim Building, known for its majestic Bates Hall and exquisite murals by John Singer Sargent, and the modern Johnson Building, which offers a more contemporary space for visitors. Did You Know? - The Boston Public Library is home to several firsts, incl...

Read More

The Chicago Public Library (CPL) stands as a significant pillar in the city's educational and cultural landscape. Established on January 1, 1873, the library system has grown from a modest collection of books stored in an abandoned water tank after the Great Chicago Fire, to a sprawling network of 81 library locations as of 2023. The central library, known as the Harold Washington Library Center, is not only a testament to the city's resilience but also a beacon of architectural beauty and innovation. CPL has consistently adapted to the changing needs of its community, offering a vast array of resources beyond books, including digital media, educational programs, and community events. It serves as a free, accessible space for learning, creativity, and community engagement, embodying its mission to open books, doors, and minds. Did You Know? The Chicago Public Library was the first in the world to offer a free public access internet service in 1995, marking a significant mileston...

Read More

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) serves the residents of the City of Los Angeles with its vast collection of resources and innovative services. Established in 1872, it has grown into one of the largest publicly funded library systems in the world, boasting 72 branches in addition to the Central Library, which is a striking example of Art Deco architecture. LAPL's mission extends beyond just lending books; it provides access to digital resources, educational programs, and community services that cater to the diverse needs of its population. The library's collection includes millions of books, digital files, and historical documents, making it a treasure trove for researchers, students, and casual readers alike. A fun fact about the Los Angeles Public Library is its Central Library's role in film and television. Its unique architecture and historical significance have made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including the 1984 film "Ghostbusters" and the tele...

Read More

The Seattle Public Library (SPL) is a vital institution in the heart of Seattle, Washington, serving the city's residents with a wide array of information resources, community programs, and services. Established in 1890, the library has grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a comprehensive system with 27 branches, including the iconic Central Library. The Central Library, opened in 2004 and designed by the renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, is a masterpiece of modern architecture and a landmark of downtown Seattle. Its striking design features a unique glass and steel exterior and an innovative, open interior layout that encourages exploration and learning. The building has won numerous architectural awards and has been hailed as one of the most beautiful and innovative libraries in the world. Did You Know? The Seattle Public Library system holds over 2.4 million items, including books, audiobooks, music, and movies. It also offers a wide range of digital resources...

Read More

The San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) is a public library system serving the city of San Francisco, California. Established in 1879, it has grown from a small library system to a network that includes a main library and 27 branch libraries, serving over 6 million visitors annually. The main library, located in the Civic Center, is a striking architectural landmark designed by James Ingo Freed and opened in 1996. SFPL offers a wide range of services beyond book lending, including free internet access, educational programs, and various cultural events. It is renowned for its diverse collection that spans several languages, reflecting the multicultural fabric of San Francisco. The library also houses special collections and archives, such as the San Francisco History Center, which contains materials documenting the city's rich history. Did You Know? The San Francisco Public Library was the first in the United States to offer a fully dedicated LGBTQIA+ Center. The Hormel LGBTQIA+...

Read More

Baker & Taylor, founded in 1828, stands as one of the oldest and most prominent distributors of books, video, and music products to libraries, institutions, and retailers. With its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company has played a pivotal role in the distribution chain, connecting publishers with thousands of libraries and retailers across the globe. Over its nearly two-century history, Baker & Taylor has evolved from a modest bindery and subscription book publisher into a global leader in digital and physical book distribution, value-added services, and technology solutions for libraries, educational institutions, and retailers worldwide. Did You Know? Baker & Taylor once owned a cat named Baker, who lived in their New Jersey warehouse. Baker became something of a company mascot and was beloved by employees. This feline friend symbolizes the company's warm, community-focused culture amidst its vast, global operations.

The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) stands as a beacon of knowledge and community engagement in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Established in 1896, it has grown to become one of the largest public library systems in the United States. With 59 neighborhood libraries spread across the borough, BPL serves a diverse community of over 2.6 million residents, offering access to an extensive collection of more than 4 million books, magazines, and multimedia materials. BPL is not just about books; it's a cultural hub that provides a wide array of programs and services, including literacy programs, technology classes, and cultural events, catering to all ages and interests. The Central Library, located at Grand Army Plaza, is a landmark building and a testament to the library's commitment to architectural excellence and community service. Did You Know? The Brooklyn Public Library operates one of the few remaining bookmobiles in New York City, ensuring that even those who cannot easily acc...

Read More

The Philadelphia Free Library, officially known as the Free Library of Philadelphia, is a public library system serving the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1891, it has grown to become one of the largest public library systems in the United States, with its central library, the Parkway Central Library, located on Vine Street. The library system boasts over 50 branches spread across the city, providing a vast array of services to the community, including access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and cultural events. Did You Know? The Free Library of Philadelphia is home to one of the most significant collections of Charles Dickens' first editions in the United States, housed in the Rare Book Department. Additionally, the library system is renowned for its unique initiatives, such as the Culinary Literacy Center, the first of its kind in a public library, aiming to enhance literacy and healthy living through cooking and nutrition classes. The lib...

Read More