Plot Summary

The documentary about the Library is C-SPAN’s original feature on America’s iconic government institutions and buildings. This in-depth examination of the Library takes an intimate look at the oldest U.S. federal cultural institution, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the history of the world’s largest library and its vast collection of books, photographs, maps and manuscripts. The documentary also examines how the Library is using science and technology to protect the nearly 150 million items in its collections. The Library of Congress is the only library in the world with its own preservation-science laboratory. Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution. Many of the Library’s rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov.