The Library of Congress serves as the research arm of Congress and is recognized as the national library of the United States. Its collections comprise the world's most comprehensive record of human creativity and knowledge. Open to those ages 16 and older without charge or special permission, it is the world's largest library and a great resource for scholars and researchers.

Through its charter as a national institution, the Library reinforces fundamental ideas about America: liberty, equality, innovation, enterprise, creativity, learning, and knowledge. In service to the American people since 1800, the Library
remains focused on its founding principle—that knowledge and free access to it, by both the leaders and the governed, are essential to democracy.

As the steward of this unique and ever-growing resource that belongs to the American people, the Library of Congress has a mandate to serve all Americans by engaging their curiosity and creativity and giving them tools to enhance their participation in cultural and civic life. Under the direction of the 14th Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, the Library is committed to a five-year strategy to reimagine how all who come to the Library can easily find and access all that the institution offers.

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