Library of Congress

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The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States, offering diverse materials for research including the world's most extensive collections in many areas such as American history, music, and law. The Library of Congress was established by act of April 24, 1800 (2 Stat. 56), appropriating $5,000 ''for the purchase of such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress. . . . '' The Library's scope of responsibility has been widened by subsequent legislation (2 U. S. C. 131-168d). The Librarian, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, directs the Library.