Library of Congress (largest library in the world)

The Library of Congress in Washington, DC, is the largest library in the world by shelf space and number of items, with holdings exceeding 170 million items in various formats. The Thomas Jefferson Building on Capitol Hill houses prominent reading rooms, historic architecture, and many of the library's research collections. The Library serves the United States Congress and provides public access for research, exhibitions, and services. It was founded in 1800 and expanded over two centuries through purchases, donations, and transfers.