---
title: "Book It: Five of the Most Interesting U.S. Libraries"
description: Libraries can make for fabulous tourist destinations. Here's a look at five of the most interesting libraries in the United States.
image: https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/hubfs/640px-Thomas_Jefferson_Building_Aerial_by_Carol_M._Highsmith.jpg
---

us toll free:[1-800-948-5563](tel:18009485563)   international: [+1 (843) 849-0283](tel:+18438490283)   UK: [+44 (0) 1334 260018](tel:+4401334260018)

[Wish List](http://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/wish-list.php) | [My Account](http://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/myaccount.php) | [Shopping Cart](http://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/cart.php)

[![Books Tell You Why](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/hs-fs/file-24000257-png/images/logo.png "Books Tell You Why")](http://www.bookstellyouwhy.com)

![ilab](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/hs-fs/hub/237126/file-294270925.png) ![abaa](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/hs-fs/hub/237126/file-293390527.png)

- [Rare Books](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/rare-books) 
    - [Browse Rare Books](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/browse-rare-books.php)
    - [Search Rare Books](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/advSearch.php?search=rarebooks)
- [Signed Books](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/signed-books) 
    - [Browse Signed Books](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/browse-signed-books.php)
    - [Search Signed Books](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/advSearch.php?signed=on)
- [First Editions](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/first-editions) 
    - [Browse First Editions](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/browse-first-editions.php)
    - [Search First Editions](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/advSearch.php?firstEd=on)
- [Legendary Authors](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/legendary_authors.php) 
    - [Saul Bellow](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=976)
    - [Edgar Rice Burroughs](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=1285)
    - [Charles Dickens](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=946)
    - [Umberto Eco](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=942)
    - [Ian Fleming](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=947)
    - [Gabriel García Márquez](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=1320)
    - [Ernest Hemingway](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=948)
    - [Rudyard Kipling](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?category_id=936&action=browse)
    - [Doris Lessing](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=1031)
    - [Arthur Miller](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=980)
    - [V.S Naipaul](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=1042)
    - [Harold Pinter](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=1033)
    - [Philip Pullman](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=940)
    - [Philip Roth](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=959)
    - [John Steinbeck](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=945)
    - [J. R. R Tolkien](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=944)
    - [Mark Twain](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=943)
    - [John Updike](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=983)
    - [Elie Wiesel](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=984)
- [Gift Ideas](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/gift_ideas.php) 
    - [Business Partner](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=844)
    - [Christmas](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=941)
    - [Father's Day](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=837)
    - [Halloween](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=859)
    - [Mother's Day](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=848)
    - [Valentine's Day](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=975)
- [Book Search](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/advSearch.php)

# <https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com>[blogis librorum. A blog about books. Rare books.](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com)

[![Did you know? Check our Rare Books Page](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237126/4f5afc0e-4fe1-46f6-bebb-f93fe6f22263.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237126/4f5afc0e-4fe1-46f6-bebb-f93fe6f22263)

## [Book It: Five of the Most Interesting U.S. Libraries](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/book-it-five-of-the-most-interesting-u.s.-libraries)

By [Nick Ostdick](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/author/nick-ostdick).  Sep 29, 2016. 9:00 AM.

Topics: [American History](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/american-history), [Book History](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/book-history), [Libraries & Special Collections](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/libraries-special-collections)

Let’s face it: Visiting a library while traveling to a new city is not always atop everyone’s must-do list. Even for the most bookish or literary-minded traveler, libraries as destinations often get lost in the fray when whipping up itineraries or sightseeing spots. Museums. Parks. Skyscrapers. Food markets. Sporting events. These activities more times than not reign supreme over buildings of archaic texts and decaying books where most travelers feel ‘You’ve seen one library, you’ve seen them all.’

But there are a number of libraries across the country that not only warrant serious investigation but also reward visitors with insight into our nation’s history and heritage. Whether simply marveling at the architectural wonders of these buildings or getting lost in the sheer number of volumes they offer, the U.S. plays host to some of the most aesthetically stunning, comprehensive, and interactive libraries the world over.

And given admission to a majority of these libraries is free and they’re often centrally located in the heart of the cities they represent, these libraries are no-brainers for tourists looking to experience the true essence of the places they’re visiting.

So the next time you’re traveling, ditch the museum, skip the promenade, and make sure you visit five of the most interesting U.S. libraries.

#### The Library of Congress, Washington D.C.

**[![640px-Thomas_Jefferson_Building_Aerial_by_Carol_M._Highsmith.jpg](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/640px-Thomas_Jefferson_Building_Aerial_by_Carol_M._Highsmith.jpg?width=355&name=640px-Thomas_Jefferson_Building_Aerial_by_Carol_M._Highsmith.jpg)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/six-cool-facts-about-the-library-of-congress)**The [Library of Congress](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/six-cool-facts-about-the-library-of-congress), located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., is the oldest federal institution in the country and the second largest library in the world behind The British Library in London. Housed in three separate buildings, the Library of Congress possesses 32 million cataloged books in more than 450 languages. In terms of sheer shelf space, the library has more than 838 miles of shelving, which dwarfs the [British Library](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/downloadhistoriclibrariesguide) at just less than 400 miles. While everyday visitors are not permitted to check-out items—many of which include documents and volumes pivotal in the American historical canon—the library hosts a number of festivals and celebrations each year to commemorate its founding, its status among world libraries, and its place in the landscape of American history.

#### The Morgan Library & Museum, Manhattan, New York

[![640px-Morgan_Library_McKim_Building_from_west.jpg](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/640px-Morgan_Library_McKim_Building_from_west.jpg?width=386&name=640px-Morgan_Library_McKim_Building_from_west.jpg)](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/downloadhistoriclibrariesguide)Formerly known as the Pierpont Morgan Library, the library was built in 1906 as the private library and museum of American banker and financier J.P. Morgan. Located in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan, New York, the [library](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/downloadhistoriclibrariesguide) originally held Morgan’s vast, private collection of rare books, manuscripts, art pieces, and other memorabilia. The library was made into a public institution in 1924 following  Morgan’s death, and it was designated a New York City and National Historic Landmark in 1966. The ornate, opulent interior of the library is a major draw for visitors, though today much of the library’s holdings are scholarly and research-based. After several additions throughout its history, the library is now comprised of three separate buildings totaling half a city block.

#### George Peabody Library at Johns Hopkins University

Opened in 1878, the George Peabody Library in historic downtown Baltimore, Maryland was originally named the Library of the Peabody Institute after its founder George Peabody, one of the wealthiest men in America at the library’s founding. Incorporated into the Johns Hopkins University system in 1982, the library’s signature attraction is its five stories of cast-iron balconies and the drastic, dramatic interior design Peabody himself had a hand in conceiving. Dedicated as a free resource of knowledge for all Baltimore residents, the [library](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/downloadhistoriclibrariesguide)houses more than 300,000 works with a particular emphasis on religion, British art, American history, travel, and Romance languages and history.

#### Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California

[![640px-Vista_-_Hearst_Castle_-_DSC06375.jpg](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/640px-Vista_-_Hearst_Castle_-_DSC06375.jpg?width=369&name=640px-Vista_-_Hearst_Castle_-_DSC06375.jpg)](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/downloadhistoriclibrariesguide)Hearst Castle is located on California’s picturesque central coast and was the pet project of American newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst who commissioned the structure in 1919. The castle was built in part to house Hearst’s massive collection of books, art, and other valuables, and today the building holds more than [4,000 books](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/downloadhistoriclibrariesguide), many of which were taken directly from Hearst’s personal collection following his death in 1951. The estate was designed in a Spanish and Mediterranean style with elaborate towers, plazas, and fountains scattered throughout the campus. The 60,000 square foot castle offers immaculate views of the central coast. Visitors are invited to take a number of tours and lectures about Hearst and the castle’s history, activities that attract millions of tourists each year.

#### Harold Washington Library, Chicago, Illinois

[![582px-Chicago_Library_Downtown.png](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/582px-Chicago_Library_Downtown.png?width=320&name=582px-Chicago_Library_Downtown.png)](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/downloadhistoriclibrariesguide)Perhaps the [newest library](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/downloadhistoriclibrariesguide) on our list, the Harold Washington Library in Chicago, Illinois opened in 1991 after nearly a decade of planning. Named for Chicago’s first black mayor, the library is the central facility in the Chicago Public Library system and is located at the south end of the famous Loop district in downtown. With more than 1.2 million holdings, the library also features a rooftop garden and penthouse where visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the Second City. The library also boasts an impressive collection of written music with more than 40,000 pages across a number of genres, and visitors can even test their musical talent by checking-out volumes and attempting to play on any number of public-use pianos on the library’s eighth floor.     

[![A Guide to Historic Libraries Part I](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237126/4a376006-1872-4939-a6e6-bf7cd379d53e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237126/4a376006-1872-4939-a6e6-bf7cd379d53e)

![](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/8bd9c4db4ad985b13e0101cc761e1e9b) 

[Nick Ostdick](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/author/nick-ostdick)

Nick Ostdick is a husband, runner, writer, and craft beer enthusiast based in Western Illinois. He holds a MFA in creative writing from Southern Illinois University and has worked as a college instructor, journalist, and blogger.

 

Please enable JavaScript to view the [comments powered by Disqus.](http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript) [comments powered by Disqus](http://disqus.com)

 

|  |
| --- |

This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached.

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

### About this blog

 How can I identify a first edition? Where do I learn about caring for books? How should I start collecting? Hear from librarians about amazing collections, learn about historic bindings or printing techniques, get to know other collectors. Whether you are just starting or looking for expert advice, chances are, you'll find something of interest on blogis librorum.

### Get blog notifications per email:

[![Download the James Bond Dossier ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237126/639676e5-ddf3-45f7-be51-d4bcbf6fa6b8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237126/639676e5-ddf3-45f7-be51-d4bcbf6fa6b8)

### Recent Posts

[![Book Glossary](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237126/edd00eb4-b601-4ee2-b639-b62ddf28ed93.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237126/edd00eb4-b601-4ee2-b639-b62ddf28ed93)

### Posts by Topic

- [American History (123)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/american-history)
- [American Literature (259)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/american-literature)
- [Art (11)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/art)
- [Awarded Books (118)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/awarded-books)
- [Baseball (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/baseball)
- [Biographies (47)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/biographies)
- [Bond Dossier (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/bond-dossier)
- [Book Care (34)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/book-care)
- [Book Collecting (419)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/book-collecting)
- [Book History (84)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/book-history)
- [Book Making (42)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/book-making)
- [Book News (85)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/book-news)
- [Books collecting (7)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/books-collecting)
- [Caldecott Medal (84)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/caldecott-medal)
- [Charles Dickens (19)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/charles-dickens)
- [Children's Books (282)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/childrens-books)
- [Christmas Books (30)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/christmas-books)
- [Civil War (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/civil-war)
- [Collecting guide (10)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/collecting-guide)
- [collectors (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/collectors)
- [Condition (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/condition)
- [Drama (41)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/drama)
- [Dust Jackets (9)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/dust-jackets)
- [Fine Press (54)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/fine-press)
- [First Editions (5)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/first-editions)
- [Fishing (12)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/fishing)
- [Food (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/food)
- [History (154)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/history)
- [Horror (43)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/horror)
- [illustrations (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/illustrations)
- [Interviews (17)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/interviews)
- [J. R. R. Tolkien (24)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/j-r-r-tolkien)
- [James Bond (62)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/james-bond)
- [Learn About Books (38)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/learn-about-books)
- [Legendary Authors (399)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/legendary-authors)
- [Legendary Illustrators (59)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/legendary-illustrators)
- [Libraries (7)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/libraries)
- [Libraries & Special Collections (73)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/libraries-special-collections)
- [Literary travel (86)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/literary-travel)
- [Literature (480)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/literature)
- [Magical Realism (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/magical-realism)
- [Mario Vargas Llosa (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/mario-vargas-llosa)
- [Mark Twain (26)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/mark-twain)
- [Modern First Editions (81)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/modern-first-editions)
- [Movie Tie-Ins (148)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/movie-tie-ins)
- [Music (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/music)
- [Mystery, Suspense & Crime (49)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/mystery-suspense-crime)
- [Newbery Award (39)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/newbery-award)
- [Nobel Prize Winners (197)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/nobel-prize-winners)
- [Poetry (149)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/poetry)
- [Pulitzer Prize (67)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/pulitzer-prize)
- [Quizzes (9)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/quizzes)
- [Rare Book Gift Ideas (48)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/rare-book-gift-ideas)
- [Rare Books (179)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/rare-books)
- [Science (37)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/science)
- [Science Fiction (51)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/science-fiction)
- [Thomas Harris (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/thomas-harris)
- [travel guides (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/travel-guides)
- [Umberto Eco (14)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/topic/umberto-eco)

[![Get your free Guide to Book Care ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237126/73b09407-0389-43d3-8221-0b8358f11602.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237126/73b09407-0389-43d3-8221-0b8358f11602)

### Blog Archive

- [July 2024 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2024/07)
- [June 2024 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2024/06)
- [May 2024 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2024/05)
- [April 2024 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2024/04)
- [March 2024 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2024/03)
- [February 2024 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2024/02)
- [January 2024 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2024/01)
- [December 2023 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/12)
- [November 2023 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/11)
- [October 2023 (5)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/10)
- [September 2023 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/09)
- [August 2023 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/08)
- [July 2023 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/07)
- [June 2023 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2023 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/05)
- [April 2023 (5)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/04)
- [March 2023 (6)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/03)
- [February 2023 (7)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/02)
- [January 2023 (9)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2023/01)
- [December 2022 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2022 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2022/11)
- [September 2022 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2022/09)
- [June 2022 (2)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2022/06)
- [March 2022 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (2)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2022/01)
- [October 2021 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2021/10)
- [September 2021 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2021/09)
- [July 2021 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2021/07)
- [May 2021 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (2)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (5)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (8)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (9)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/12)
- [November 2020 (6)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/11)
- [October 2020 (9)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (9)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (10)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (6)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/02)
- [January 2020 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2020/01)
- [December 2019 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/12)
- [November 2019 (15)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/11)
- [October 2019 (17)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/10)
- [September 2019 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/09)
- [August 2019 (15)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/08)
- [July 2019 (20)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (18)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (14)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (18)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2019/01)
- [December 2018 (18)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/12)
- [November 2018 (18)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (15)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/09)
- [August 2018 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (15)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (17)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (16)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/04)
- [March 2018 (17)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/03)
- [February 2018 (15)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/02)
- [January 2018 (14)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2018/01)
- [December 2017 (18)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/12)
- [November 2017 (21)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/11)
- [October 2017 (21)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/10)
- [September 2017 (23)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (20)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/08)
- [July 2017 (22)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/07)
- [June 2017 (21)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/06)
- [May 2017 (23)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (23)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/04)
- [March 2017 (23)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (20)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (21)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2017/01)
- [December 2016 (23)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/12)
- [November 2016 (22)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2016 (23)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/10)
- [September 2016 (22)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (23)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (22)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (22)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (23)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (30)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (32)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (29)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (29)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (29)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (27)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/11)
- [October 2015 (30)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/10)
- [September 2015 (29)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (31)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (29)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/07)
- [June 2015 (29)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/06)
- [May 2015 (32)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/05)
- [April 2015 (30)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/04)
- [March 2015 (29)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/03)
- [February 2015 (25)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/02)
- [January 2015 (31)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2015/01)
- [December 2014 (27)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/12)
- [November 2014 (26)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/11)
- [October 2014 (28)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/10)
- [September 2014 (27)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/09)
- [August 2014 (25)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/08)
- [July 2014 (24)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/07)
- [June 2014 (27)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/06)
- [May 2014 (25)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/05)
- [April 2014 (21)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/04)
- [March 2014 (18)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/03)
- [February 2014 (18)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/02)
- [January 2014 (26)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2014/01)
- [December 2013 (22)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/12)
- [November 2013 (22)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/11)
- [October 2013 (26)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/10)
- [September 2013 (8)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/09)
- [August 2013 (9)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/08)
- [July 2013 (9)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/07)
- [June 2013 (8)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/06)
- [May 2013 (13)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/05)
- [April 2013 (10)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/04)
- [March 2013 (9)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/03)
- [February 2013 (6)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/02)
- [January 2013 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2013/01)
- [December 2012 (6)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/12)
- [November 2012 (6)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/11)
- [October 2012 (8)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/10)
- [September 2012 (7)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/09)
- [August 2012 (7)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/08)
- [July 2012 (7)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/07)
- [June 2012 (5)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/06)
- [May 2012 (7)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/05)
- [April 2012 (7)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/04)
- [March 2012 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/03)
- [February 2012 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/02)
- [January 2012 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2012/01)
- [December 2011 (2)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2011/12)
- [November 2011 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2011/11)
- [October 2011 (2)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2011/10)
- [August 2011 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2011/08)
- [July 2011 (2)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2011/07)
- [June 2011 (3)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2011/06)
- [May 2011 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2011/05)
- [April 2011 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2011/04)
- [March 2011 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2011/03)
- [October 2010 (1)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2010/10)
- [September 2010 (2)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2010/09)
- [June 2010 (4)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2010/06)
- [May 2010 (2)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2010/05)
- [April 2010 (6)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2010/04)
- [March 2010 (8)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2010/03)
- [February 2010 (5)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2010/02)
- [January 2010 (15)](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/archive/2010/01)

> see older posts

[![A Guide to Historic Libraries Part I](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237126/4a376006-1872-4939-a6e6-bf7cd379d53e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237126/4a376006-1872-4939-a6e6-bf7cd379d53e)

- [Rare Books](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/rare-books)
- [Signed Books](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/signed-books.php)
- [First Editions](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/first-edition-books.php)
- [New Arrivals](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/new-arrivals.php)
- [Featured Books](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/featured.php)
- [Key Categories](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/categories.php)
- [Advanced Search](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/advSearch.php)
- [Job Opportunities](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/job-opportunities)

- [Our Story](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/our_story.php)
- [Contact Us](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/contact.php)
- [Events](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/events.php)
- [Selling Books](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/selling_books.php)
- [Autographs & Signatures](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/autographs_signatures.php)
- [Collector's Resources](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/collector_resources.php)
- [Glossary](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/glossary.php)

- [Our Blog](https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com)
- [Shopping Cart](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/cart.php)
- [My Account](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/myaccount.php)
- [Create an Account](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/createAccount.php)
- [Store Policies](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/policies.php)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/privacy.php)
- [Loyalty and Rewards](https://www.bookstellyouwhy.com/loyalty.php)
- [Scholarships](https://pages.bookstellyouwhy.com/rare-book-school-scholarship-information)

- Phone: [+1 (843) 849-0283](tel:+1%20(843)%20849-0283)
- [Books@BooksTellYouWhy.com](mailto:books@bookstellyouwhy.com)

- © 2008 -  Books Tell You Why, Inc. All rights reserved. | [Site by Bibliopolis](http://www.bibliopolis.com)
- [Content Marketing](https://aspiration.marketing/topics/content-marketing) by [Aspiration Marketing](http://www.aspiration.marketing)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Nick Ostdick",
    "url" : "https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/author/nick-ostdick"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2016-09-29T13:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Book It: Five of the Most Interesting U.S. Libraries",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/hubfs/640px-Thomas_Jefferson_Building_Aerial_by_Carol_M._Highsmith.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/book-it-five-of-the-most-interesting-u.s.-libraries",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/hs-fs/hub/237126/file-1623254079.jpg"
    },
    "name" : "Aspiration Marketing Canada, Inc."
  }
}
```