Books were always an essential part of Thomas Jefferson’s life; he spent a great deal of time acquiring books for his own personal library at Monticello. By 1814 Jefferson had the largest personal collection of books in the US. After the British destroyed most of the Library of Congress’s (LOC) book collection in a fire in 1814, Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his collection to the LOC which they purchased for $23,950. Unfortunately a second fire in 1851 would destroy nearly two thirds of the 6,487 books Jefferson sold to them.
In tribute to the Library’s great friend, the LOC has created the exhibit “Thomas Jefferson Library” which showcases the remaining volumes once belonging to Jefferson that are now part of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the LOC. The books are divided into categories—Memory, Reason and Imagination. Additionally the LOC has created a more user friendly, hands-on experience for visitors with its Library Experience.
General Information
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20540
Phone: 202-707-5000
Date(s)of exhibit: April 12, 2008 – April 12, 2009
Cost: Free