“I cannot live without books.”
Cara/Andrea here, musing today about Thomas Jefferson, a fascinating “Renaissance Man” of the Regency era, whose love of books left America with one of its great treasures—The Library of Congress. (Honestly, how can you not feel kindred spirits with a man who uttered the above words! Definitely a man after my own heart.)
Political philosopher—he was the main author of our Declaration of Independence—Enlightenment intellectual, a leading Founding Father and third President of the United States, as well as an architect, inventor, and founder of the University of Virginia, Jefferson was a man of extraordinary talents and achievements, one of which was being one of the guiding forces behind the establishment of a national library, and the ideals it stands for. The Library of Congress website says it succinctly: “The Jeffersonian concept of universality is the rationale for the comprehensive collecting policies of today's Library of Congress. Jefferson's belief in the power of knowledge and the direct link between knowledge and democracy shaped the Library's philosophy of sharing its collections and services as widely as possible.”
The Library of Congress, which is the oldest federal cultural institution in the country, was officially established in 1800 by President John Adams, who approved a bill authorizing a budget of $5,000 to purchase "such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress." An order was sent across the pond to London for 740 books and three maps, which were first housed n the U.S. Capitol. After Jefferson took office as the third President of the United States in 1801, he took an active involvement in the development of the Library, personally recommending books for the collection. His intellectual curiosity and belief that a library should have a wide range of subjects, languages, and ideas in order to provoke thought and challenge one’s own preconceptions shaped the Library’s early mission and continues to do so today. As the website says, “The Jeffersonian concept of universality is the rationale for the comprehensive collecting policies of today's Library of Congress. Jefferson's belief in the power of knowledge and the direct link between knowledge and democracy shaped the Library's philosophy of sharing its collections and services as widely as possible.” (Huzzah for Mr. Jefferson!)
His influence didn’t end when he left office. In fact, perhaps his greatest gift to the Library came in 1815, in the aftermath of the 1814 British invasion of Washington DC, during which their troops burned the Capitol building and all of the 3,000 books of the Library of Congress. (We forgive you, Jo and Nicola!) On hearing of the loss, Jefferson offered his own personal library to the Congress for whatever price they wished to set. The offer was accepted, and the Library of Congress more than doubled its original holding in one transaction, not to speak of acquiring one of the finest collections of books in America.
An avid bibliophile from an early age, Jefferson had spent over 50 putting together his private library. The range of its holdings was impressive, and included works of philosophy, science, literature, architecture—even cookbooks!—as well as many in foreign languages. In the end, Congress paid him $23,950. for 6487 books. (The price was based on the measurements of the actual book sizes!)
Jefferson set to work cataloguing and packing the collection for the journey from Monticello to Washington DC. While many book collections of the time were arranged alphabetically, he chose to order them by subject. (I love the Headings, which include The Hierarchy of Memory for History, and Imagination for Fine Arts.)
Alas, another fire in 1851 destroyed nearly two-thirds of the Library of Congress’s books, including a number of Jefferson’s original volumes. Today, however, the Library is slowly replacing the lost ones with editions from the same era. The Jefferson Library is on permanent display in a special space, and green ribbons sticking up from the spine mark originals, while white ribbons mark the replacements. As for its size, today the Library of Congress and the British Library are the two biggest libraries in the world.
For those who haven’t visited the main Jefferson Building in Washington DC, it’s a fabulous experience that shouldn’t be missed. The building itself is breathtakingly beautiful (as befits Jefferson’s architectural skills) featuring majestic classical columns, stained glass skylights and magnificent murals celebrating art, authors and books. The changing exhibits showcase material from the extensive holdings (up now is a fascinating exhibit on the Civil War.)
To give a feeling of the breath and scope of the Library’s treasures, I’ll let its own description speak for itself: “The diversity of the Library of Congress is startling. Simultaneously it serves as: a legislative library and the major research arm of the U.S. Congress; the copyright agency of the United States; a center for scholarship that collects research materials in many media and in most subjects from throughout the world in more that 450 languages; a public institution that is open to everyone over high school age and serves readers in twenty-two reading rooms; a government library that is heavily used by the executive
branch and the judiciary; a national library for the blind and physically handicapped; an outstanding law library; one of the world's largest providers of bibliographic data and products; a center for the commissioning and performance of chamber music; the home of the nation's poet laureate; the sponsor of exhibitions and of musical, literary, and cultural programs that reach across the nation and the world; a research center for the preservation and conservation of library materials; and the world's largest repository of maps, atlases, printed and recorded music, motion pictures and television programs.” I hope that you, like me, are now smiling.
The original fire got me to thinking about building a library from scratch. So, let’s have some fun! What books would you pick as essential for its collection? A few that immediately come to my mind are the complete works of Shakespeare, Pride and Prejudice, The Old and New Testament and Newton’s Principia. What about you? What “greats” would you include? Please share!
I can think of many, but I’d put up the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith because he was the inspiration for fueling the economic growth of America, allowing for the creation and sustenance of the Library of Congress.
I used to use the library for professional research. I just recently checked its hours to see if its hours had been curtailed because of budget cuts. It’s still open on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. My great thrill there was looking at 19th century magazines on microfiche. So I guess on my collection list would also be the newspapers and magazines of the world.
I can think of many, but I’d put up the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith because he was the inspiration for fueling the economic growth of America, allowing for the creation and sustenance of the Library of Congress.
I used to use the library for professional research. I just recently checked its hours to see if its hours had been curtailed because of budget cuts. It’s still open on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. My great thrill there was looking at 19th century magazines on microfiche. So I guess on my collection list would also be the newspapers and magazines of the world.
I can think of many, but I’d put up the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith because he was the inspiration for fueling the economic growth of America, allowing for the creation and sustenance of the Library of Congress.
I used to use the library for professional research. I just recently checked its hours to see if its hours had been curtailed because of budget cuts. It’s still open on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. My great thrill there was looking at 19th century magazines on microfiche. So I guess on my collection list would also be the newspapers and magazines of the world.
I can think of many, but I’d put up the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith because he was the inspiration for fueling the economic growth of America, allowing for the creation and sustenance of the Library of Congress.
I used to use the library for professional research. I just recently checked its hours to see if its hours had been curtailed because of budget cuts. It’s still open on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. My great thrill there was looking at 19th century magazines on microfiche. So I guess on my collection list would also be the newspapers and magazines of the world.
I can think of many, but I’d put up the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith because he was the inspiration for fueling the economic growth of America, allowing for the creation and sustenance of the Library of Congress.
I used to use the library for professional research. I just recently checked its hours to see if its hours had been curtailed because of budget cuts. It’s still open on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. My great thrill there was looking at 19th century magazines on microfiche. So I guess on my collection list would also be the newspapers and magazines of the world.
Shannon, yes, I can think of too many to list too, but Wealth of Nations is right up there!
How lucky that you got to do research there. The reading room looked amazing. One of the things I love about the collections is the wealth not just of books but of other material. It has an extraordinary collection of recordings—folk songs, old dialects from different regions of the country. etc. which preserve a heritage that is dying out. And of course the magazines! It’s truly a magical place.
Shannon, yes, I can think of too many to list too, but Wealth of Nations is right up there!
How lucky that you got to do research there. The reading room looked amazing. One of the things I love about the collections is the wealth not just of books but of other material. It has an extraordinary collection of recordings—folk songs, old dialects from different regions of the country. etc. which preserve a heritage that is dying out. And of course the magazines! It’s truly a magical place.
Shannon, yes, I can think of too many to list too, but Wealth of Nations is right up there!
How lucky that you got to do research there. The reading room looked amazing. One of the things I love about the collections is the wealth not just of books but of other material. It has an extraordinary collection of recordings—folk songs, old dialects from different regions of the country. etc. which preserve a heritage that is dying out. And of course the magazines! It’s truly a magical place.
Shannon, yes, I can think of too many to list too, but Wealth of Nations is right up there!
How lucky that you got to do research there. The reading room looked amazing. One of the things I love about the collections is the wealth not just of books but of other material. It has an extraordinary collection of recordings—folk songs, old dialects from different regions of the country. etc. which preserve a heritage that is dying out. And of course the magazines! It’s truly a magical place.
Shannon, yes, I can think of too many to list too, but Wealth of Nations is right up there!
How lucky that you got to do research there. The reading room looked amazing. One of the things I love about the collections is the wealth not just of books but of other material. It has an extraordinary collection of recordings—folk songs, old dialects from different regions of the country. etc. which preserve a heritage that is dying out. And of course the magazines! It’s truly a magical place.
I’d want a collection of some of the earliest dictionaries, and the diaries and journals of some of the earliest settlers. I love old journals — they give us a view of life that’s so different and yet immediate.
I’d want a collection of some of the earliest dictionaries, and the diaries and journals of some of the earliest settlers. I love old journals — they give us a view of life that’s so different and yet immediate.
I’d want a collection of some of the earliest dictionaries, and the diaries and journals of some of the earliest settlers. I love old journals — they give us a view of life that’s so different and yet immediate.
I’d want a collection of some of the earliest dictionaries, and the diaries and journals of some of the earliest settlers. I love old journals — they give us a view of life that’s so different and yet immediate.
I’d want a collection of some of the earliest dictionaries, and the diaries and journals of some of the earliest settlers. I love old journals — they give us a view of life that’s so different and yet immediate.
Voltaire. Pliny (both) Herodotus, Josephus, lots more, but that’s what immediately comes to mind.
And I’m with Anne. Personal journals from different eras always make me feel like a part of me is right there with the writer.
Voltaire. Pliny (both) Herodotus, Josephus, lots more, but that’s what immediately comes to mind.
And I’m with Anne. Personal journals from different eras always make me feel like a part of me is right there with the writer.
Voltaire. Pliny (both) Herodotus, Josephus, lots more, but that’s what immediately comes to mind.
And I’m with Anne. Personal journals from different eras always make me feel like a part of me is right there with the writer.
Voltaire. Pliny (both) Herodotus, Josephus, lots more, but that’s what immediately comes to mind.
And I’m with Anne. Personal journals from different eras always make me feel like a part of me is right there with the writer.
Voltaire. Pliny (both) Herodotus, Josephus, lots more, but that’s what immediately comes to mind.
And I’m with Anne. Personal journals from different eras always make me feel like a part of me is right there with the writer.
I agree, Anne! That’s one of the reasons the LofC is so wonderful—it has so many things like that, which creates such an amazing portrait of a country’s history.
I agree, Anne! That’s one of the reasons the LofC is so wonderful—it has so many things like that, which creates such an amazing portrait of a country’s history.
I agree, Anne! That’s one of the reasons the LofC is so wonderful—it has so many things like that, which creates such an amazing portrait of a country’s history.
I agree, Anne! That’s one of the reasons the LofC is so wonderful—it has so many things like that, which creates such an amazing portrait of a country’s history.
I agree, Anne! That’s one of the reasons the LofC is so wonderful—it has so many things like that, which creates such an amazing portrait of a country’s history.
Wonderful suggestions, Theo!
Wonderful suggestions, Theo!
Wonderful suggestions, Theo!
Wonderful suggestions, Theo!
Wonderful suggestions, Theo!
Gosh what books wouldn’t I like. John Milton for starters, Napier’s Peninsular wars, The King James Bible, and lots of maps. The Tree Musketeers is another favourite. Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Then we must have Alice in Wonderland, and Little Women and other children’s books. Dickens, Jane Austen and the Brontes. Now I can’t stop. And lots of reference books, including dictionaries and encyclopedias. I had better stop now.
Gosh what books wouldn’t I like. John Milton for starters, Napier’s Peninsular wars, The King James Bible, and lots of maps. The Tree Musketeers is another favourite. Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Then we must have Alice in Wonderland, and Little Women and other children’s books. Dickens, Jane Austen and the Brontes. Now I can’t stop. And lots of reference books, including dictionaries and encyclopedias. I had better stop now.
Gosh what books wouldn’t I like. John Milton for starters, Napier’s Peninsular wars, The King James Bible, and lots of maps. The Tree Musketeers is another favourite. Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Then we must have Alice in Wonderland, and Little Women and other children’s books. Dickens, Jane Austen and the Brontes. Now I can’t stop. And lots of reference books, including dictionaries and encyclopedias. I had better stop now.
Gosh what books wouldn’t I like. John Milton for starters, Napier’s Peninsular wars, The King James Bible, and lots of maps. The Tree Musketeers is another favourite. Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Then we must have Alice in Wonderland, and Little Women and other children’s books. Dickens, Jane Austen and the Brontes. Now I can’t stop. And lots of reference books, including dictionaries and encyclopedias. I had better stop now.
Gosh what books wouldn’t I like. John Milton for starters, Napier’s Peninsular wars, The King James Bible, and lots of maps. The Tree Musketeers is another favourite. Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Then we must have Alice in Wonderland, and Little Women and other children’s books. Dickens, Jane Austen and the Brontes. Now I can’t stop. And lots of reference books, including dictionaries and encyclopedias. I had better stop now.
Ha, ha,—yes, it’s impossible to stop, Jenny! I’m so glad the L of C didn’t!
Ha, ha,—yes, it’s impossible to stop, Jenny! I’m so glad the L of C didn’t!
Ha, ha,—yes, it’s impossible to stop, Jenny! I’m so glad the L of C didn’t!
Ha, ha,—yes, it’s impossible to stop, Jenny! I’m so glad the L of C didn’t!
Ha, ha,—yes, it’s impossible to stop, Jenny! I’m so glad the L of C didn’t!
As a young Sailor in WWII I remember a visit to the Library while stationed outside Washington D.C. Marvelous.
I’d like to add a few technical books on early radio and radar.
As a young Sailor in WWII I remember a visit to the Library while stationed outside Washington D.C. Marvelous.
I’d like to add a few technical books on early radio and radar.
As a young Sailor in WWII I remember a visit to the Library while stationed outside Washington D.C. Marvelous.
I’d like to add a few technical books on early radio and radar.
As a young Sailor in WWII I remember a visit to the Library while stationed outside Washington D.C. Marvelous.
I’d like to add a few technical books on early radio and radar.
As a young Sailor in WWII I remember a visit to the Library while stationed outside Washington D.C. Marvelous.
I’d like to add a few technical books on early radio and radar.
It truly is marvelous. Louis. And you tech books are a very important addition!
It truly is marvelous. Louis. And you tech books are a very important addition!
It truly is marvelous. Louis. And you tech books are a very important addition!
It truly is marvelous. Louis. And you tech books are a very important addition!
It truly is marvelous. Louis. And you tech books are a very important addition!
Art books and composer’s manuscripts. We need art and music.
Art books and composer’s manuscripts. We need art and music.
Art books and composer’s manuscripts. We need art and music.
Art books and composer’s manuscripts. We need art and music.
Art books and composer’s manuscripts. We need art and music.
A choice; too difficult. The most essential would be books from my childhood as they have meaning beyond the printed word.
Oh, did you use the term “spark” in your title as a double entendre? I wonder how fast the library would have grown and if Jefferson’s collection would have stayed intact if the British hadn’t set a spark to the Capitol.
A choice; too difficult. The most essential would be books from my childhood as they have meaning beyond the printed word.
Oh, did you use the term “spark” in your title as a double entendre? I wonder how fast the library would have grown and if Jefferson’s collection would have stayed intact if the British hadn’t set a spark to the Capitol.
A choice; too difficult. The most essential would be books from my childhood as they have meaning beyond the printed word.
Oh, did you use the term “spark” in your title as a double entendre? I wonder how fast the library would have grown and if Jefferson’s collection would have stayed intact if the British hadn’t set a spark to the Capitol.
A choice; too difficult. The most essential would be books from my childhood as they have meaning beyond the printed word.
Oh, did you use the term “spark” in your title as a double entendre? I wonder how fast the library would have grown and if Jefferson’s collection would have stayed intact if the British hadn’t set a spark to the Capitol.
A choice; too difficult. The most essential would be books from my childhood as they have meaning beyond the printed word.
Oh, did you use the term “spark” in your title as a double entendre? I wonder how fast the library would have grown and if Jefferson’s collection would have stayed intact if the British hadn’t set a spark to the Capitol.
I couldn’t agree more, Annette!
I couldn’t agree more, Annette!
I couldn’t agree more, Annette!
I couldn’t agree more, Annette!
I couldn’t agree more, Annette!
Ha, ha, LynS! yes, I did mean the double entendre. And you ask a great question. I think the fact that Jefferson’s personal library became the core collection probably did have a great influence on shaping the direction of the Library. So in this case, perhaps book burning did have a positive effect. (Though I can’t believe I am saying that! The idea of burning books makes my skin crawl.)
Ha, ha, LynS! yes, I did mean the double entendre. And you ask a great question. I think the fact that Jefferson’s personal library became the core collection probably did have a great influence on shaping the direction of the Library. So in this case, perhaps book burning did have a positive effect. (Though I can’t believe I am saying that! The idea of burning books makes my skin crawl.)
Ha, ha, LynS! yes, I did mean the double entendre. And you ask a great question. I think the fact that Jefferson’s personal library became the core collection probably did have a great influence on shaping the direction of the Library. So in this case, perhaps book burning did have a positive effect. (Though I can’t believe I am saying that! The idea of burning books makes my skin crawl.)
Ha, ha, LynS! yes, I did mean the double entendre. And you ask a great question. I think the fact that Jefferson’s personal library became the core collection probably did have a great influence on shaping the direction of the Library. So in this case, perhaps book burning did have a positive effect. (Though I can’t believe I am saying that! The idea of burning books makes my skin crawl.)
Ha, ha, LynS! yes, I did mean the double entendre. And you ask a great question. I think the fact that Jefferson’s personal library became the core collection probably did have a great influence on shaping the direction of the Library. So in this case, perhaps book burning did have a positive effect. (Though I can’t believe I am saying that! The idea of burning books makes my skin crawl.)
A very good reason to love Jefferson! WAY WAY too many important books to list. I honestly wouldn’t know where to go after copies of all ancient texts available for historical study in multiple forms — microfinch, computer images, even printed copies of them..
A very good reason to love Jefferson! WAY WAY too many important books to list. I honestly wouldn’t know where to go after copies of all ancient texts available for historical study in multiple forms — microfinch, computer images, even printed copies of them..
A very good reason to love Jefferson! WAY WAY too many important books to list. I honestly wouldn’t know where to go after copies of all ancient texts available for historical study in multiple forms — microfinch, computer images, even printed copies of them..
A very good reason to love Jefferson! WAY WAY too many important books to list. I honestly wouldn’t know where to go after copies of all ancient texts available for historical study in multiple forms — microfinch, computer images, even printed copies of them..
A very good reason to love Jefferson! WAY WAY too many important books to list. I honestly wouldn’t know where to go after copies of all ancient texts available for historical study in multiple forms — microfinch, computer images, even printed copies of them..
Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were two of the greatest Renaissance men of their era. Jefferson was interested in everything: politics, architecture, natural history, agriculture, and don’t forget the Louisiana purchase! It was his decision to buy the stretch of land from what is now Montana and the Dakotas down to New Orleans, from France.
To the list of great authors already mentioned, I would add American authors, like Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Edith Wharton, Henry James, etc.
I really should visit the Library of Congress. In all my trips to DC, I’ve never been there.
Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were two of the greatest Renaissance men of their era. Jefferson was interested in everything: politics, architecture, natural history, agriculture, and don’t forget the Louisiana purchase! It was his decision to buy the stretch of land from what is now Montana and the Dakotas down to New Orleans, from France.
To the list of great authors already mentioned, I would add American authors, like Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Edith Wharton, Henry James, etc.
I really should visit the Library of Congress. In all my trips to DC, I’ve never been there.
Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were two of the greatest Renaissance men of their era. Jefferson was interested in everything: politics, architecture, natural history, agriculture, and don’t forget the Louisiana purchase! It was his decision to buy the stretch of land from what is now Montana and the Dakotas down to New Orleans, from France.
To the list of great authors already mentioned, I would add American authors, like Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Edith Wharton, Henry James, etc.
I really should visit the Library of Congress. In all my trips to DC, I’ve never been there.
Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were two of the greatest Renaissance men of their era. Jefferson was interested in everything: politics, architecture, natural history, agriculture, and don’t forget the Louisiana purchase! It was his decision to buy the stretch of land from what is now Montana and the Dakotas down to New Orleans, from France.
To the list of great authors already mentioned, I would add American authors, like Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Edith Wharton, Henry James, etc.
I really should visit the Library of Congress. In all my trips to DC, I’ve never been there.
Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were two of the greatest Renaissance men of their era. Jefferson was interested in everything: politics, architecture, natural history, agriculture, and don’t forget the Louisiana purchase! It was his decision to buy the stretch of land from what is now Montana and the Dakotas down to New Orleans, from France.
To the list of great authors already mentioned, I would add American authors, like Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Edith Wharton, Henry James, etc.
I really should visit the Library of Congress. In all my trips to DC, I’ve never been there.
Glenda, yes, I know it’s an impossible task to start listing books. No way to begin naming all the ones that should be in a great library. All I can say is, huzzah for Jefferson and his belief that libraries should have a wide range of ideas for people to explore.
Glenda, yes, I know it’s an impossible task to start listing books. No way to begin naming all the ones that should be in a great library. All I can say is, huzzah for Jefferson and his belief that libraries should have a wide range of ideas for people to explore.
Glenda, yes, I know it’s an impossible task to start listing books. No way to begin naming all the ones that should be in a great library. All I can say is, huzzah for Jefferson and his belief that libraries should have a wide range of ideas for people to explore.
Glenda, yes, I know it’s an impossible task to start listing books. No way to begin naming all the ones that should be in a great library. All I can say is, huzzah for Jefferson and his belief that libraries should have a wide range of ideas for people to explore.
Glenda, yes, I know it’s an impossible task to start listing books. No way to begin naming all the ones that should be in a great library. All I can say is, huzzah for Jefferson and his belief that libraries should have a wide range of ideas for people to explore.
Karin, I totally agree—Jefferson and Franklin were amazing individuals! And yes, you MUST visit the library next time you are in Washington, DC.
Karin, I totally agree—Jefferson and Franklin were amazing individuals! And yes, you MUST visit the library next time you are in Washington, DC.
Karin, I totally agree—Jefferson and Franklin were amazing individuals! And yes, you MUST visit the library next time you are in Washington, DC.
Karin, I totally agree—Jefferson and Franklin were amazing individuals! And yes, you MUST visit the library next time you are in Washington, DC.
Karin, I totally agree—Jefferson and Franklin were amazing individuals! And yes, you MUST visit the library next time you are in Washington, DC.
Hallo Ms. Elliott,
Nor can I! A life without books as companions and friends is not a life I would consider as blessed! 🙁 I have always wanted to visit the Library of Congress as being the librarygirl that I am it would mark the moment of visiting the library of all libraries! 🙂 🙂
I hadn’t realised it was Jefferson who originated the quotation but I am thankful to him for not only giving inspiring words for all bookish souls to express themselves with but for giving us such a legacy as the Library of Congress! Powerful legacy to give!
He’s one of my favourite statesman and it proves in your article how much gratitude we all have for a man who had the courage to give the freedom of knowledge to everyone! 🙂 Thank you for this post!!
Hallo Ms. Elliott,
Nor can I! A life without books as companions and friends is not a life I would consider as blessed! 🙁 I have always wanted to visit the Library of Congress as being the librarygirl that I am it would mark the moment of visiting the library of all libraries! 🙂 🙂
I hadn’t realised it was Jefferson who originated the quotation but I am thankful to him for not only giving inspiring words for all bookish souls to express themselves with but for giving us such a legacy as the Library of Congress! Powerful legacy to give!
He’s one of my favourite statesman and it proves in your article how much gratitude we all have for a man who had the courage to give the freedom of knowledge to everyone! 🙂 Thank you for this post!!
Hallo Ms. Elliott,
Nor can I! A life without books as companions and friends is not a life I would consider as blessed! 🙁 I have always wanted to visit the Library of Congress as being the librarygirl that I am it would mark the moment of visiting the library of all libraries! 🙂 🙂
I hadn’t realised it was Jefferson who originated the quotation but I am thankful to him for not only giving inspiring words for all bookish souls to express themselves with but for giving us such a legacy as the Library of Congress! Powerful legacy to give!
He’s one of my favourite statesman and it proves in your article how much gratitude we all have for a man who had the courage to give the freedom of knowledge to everyone! 🙂 Thank you for this post!!
Hallo Ms. Elliott,
Nor can I! A life without books as companions and friends is not a life I would consider as blessed! 🙁 I have always wanted to visit the Library of Congress as being the librarygirl that I am it would mark the moment of visiting the library of all libraries! 🙂 🙂
I hadn’t realised it was Jefferson who originated the quotation but I am thankful to him for not only giving inspiring words for all bookish souls to express themselves with but for giving us such a legacy as the Library of Congress! Powerful legacy to give!
He’s one of my favourite statesman and it proves in your article how much gratitude we all have for a man who had the courage to give the freedom of knowledge to everyone! 🙂 Thank you for this post!!
Hallo Ms. Elliott,
Nor can I! A life without books as companions and friends is not a life I would consider as blessed! 🙁 I have always wanted to visit the Library of Congress as being the librarygirl that I am it would mark the moment of visiting the library of all libraries! 🙂 🙂
I hadn’t realised it was Jefferson who originated the quotation but I am thankful to him for not only giving inspiring words for all bookish souls to express themselves with but for giving us such a legacy as the Library of Congress! Powerful legacy to give!
He’s one of my favourite statesman and it proves in your article how much gratitude we all have for a man who had the courage to give the freedom of knowledge to everyone! 🙂 Thank you for this post!!
Did you know I used to work in the Library of Congress. I had a little room right off those corridors you’re showing and I walked past the Gutenberg Bible every morning, carrying my briefcase. I had carved arches and column capitals overhead in my office.
That big marble staircase you have a picture of … I walked up that, turned left, went along the row of columns, and my office was at the end of that hall.
Did you know I used to work in the Library of Congress. I had a little room right off those corridors you’re showing and I walked past the Gutenberg Bible every morning, carrying my briefcase. I had carved arches and column capitals overhead in my office.
That big marble staircase you have a picture of … I walked up that, turned left, went along the row of columns, and my office was at the end of that hall.
Did you know I used to work in the Library of Congress. I had a little room right off those corridors you’re showing and I walked past the Gutenberg Bible every morning, carrying my briefcase. I had carved arches and column capitals overhead in my office.
That big marble staircase you have a picture of … I walked up that, turned left, went along the row of columns, and my office was at the end of that hall.
Did you know I used to work in the Library of Congress. I had a little room right off those corridors you’re showing and I walked past the Gutenberg Bible every morning, carrying my briefcase. I had carved arches and column capitals overhead in my office.
That big marble staircase you have a picture of … I walked up that, turned left, went along the row of columns, and my office was at the end of that hall.
Did you know I used to work in the Library of Congress. I had a little room right off those corridors you’re showing and I walked past the Gutenberg Bible every morning, carrying my briefcase. I had carved arches and column capitals overhead in my office.
That big marble staircase you have a picture of … I walked up that, turned left, went along the row of columns, and my office was at the end of that hall.
Ms. Bourne,
Ooh, my dear stars if I had worked there I am not sure how I would have been productive! All of the inspiration and excitement of “being there!” would have left me awe struck! 🙂 What an opportunity! You must have wicked sweet memories of that time!
Ms. Bourne,
Ooh, my dear stars if I had worked there I am not sure how I would have been productive! All of the inspiration and excitement of “being there!” would have left me awe struck! 🙂 What an opportunity! You must have wicked sweet memories of that time!
Ms. Bourne,
Ooh, my dear stars if I had worked there I am not sure how I would have been productive! All of the inspiration and excitement of “being there!” would have left me awe struck! 🙂 What an opportunity! You must have wicked sweet memories of that time!
Ms. Bourne,
Ooh, my dear stars if I had worked there I am not sure how I would have been productive! All of the inspiration and excitement of “being there!” would have left me awe struck! 🙂 What an opportunity! You must have wicked sweet memories of that time!
Ms. Bourne,
Ooh, my dear stars if I had worked there I am not sure how I would have been productive! All of the inspiration and excitement of “being there!” would have left me awe struck! 🙂 What an opportunity! You must have wicked sweet memories of that time!