Library of Congress

The Library of Congress, one of the most influential libraries in the world, is one of the four official national libraries of the United States and the nation's oldest federal cultural institution, founded in 1800. Its primary responsibility is to fulfill the research needs of the United States Congress. Symbolizing American knowledge and nationhood, the Library of Congress is the world's largest repository of knowledge, and its collections are housed in multimedia formats, including many rare books, distinctive collections, the world's largest maps, motion picture films, and television footage.