The Library of Congress, established in 1800, is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. It serves a dual role as both the nation's research library and as the legislative library of the U.S. Congress. With millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts in its collections, the Library is a vast reservoir of knowledge and culture. It also hosts an array of public events, exhibitions, and educational programs, making it a cornerstone of American intellectual life.