
04/24/2022
#OTD in 1800, President John Adams signed a bill that provided $5,000 for "such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress." Thus establishing the Library of Congress. In 2000, the Library celebrated its bicentennial on the East Lawn of the Capitol. During the event, Librarian of Congress Dr. James H. Billington said to more thant 5,000 guests, "This is a national celebration, not just of an institution but of the role of libraries everywhere in providing free and open access to knowledge and information."
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress