Today, many people think of libraries as just places to store books, library cards, and signs telling you that silence must be observed at all times. However, libraries have collected and preserved information for thousands of years. From the early clay tablets of ancient Mesopotamia to books, plays, movies, and music, libraries bridge the knowledge gap between generations. As such, they allow people to learn from the past and share ideas for the future.
Thanks to the careful collecting and organizing of information, be it cultural or scientific, libraries have fueled amazing discoveries, inspired incredible works of art, and helped societies grow and develop.
Why Libraries Have Grown in Size
Around the world, some of the largest libraries house over 170 million items! Thanks in part to an explosion of information in this digital age, we create and consume vastly more content today compared to the past. Libraries aim to be comprehensive resources, so their collections of documents, books, journals, digital files, and multimedia naturally expand.
Libraries have also broadened their scope. They’re not just about borrowing books anymore. They offer digital recordings of movies, music, and historical artifacts. Thanks to the ability to compress a large PDF file, some modern libraries now offer Digital Catalogs for many of their archived items, often granting free access to all internet users.
With that in mind, let’s take a more detailed look at some of the world’s biggest libraries.
1) The British Library
Situated at 96 Euston Road, St Pancras, London, the British Library is a giant in the world of readily accessible knowledge. On a global scale, it reigns supreme, with a vast and eclectic collection exceeding 170 million items. However, this famous institution isn’t just about books. It houses a staggering array of materials, including ancient manuscripts, maps, historical documents, and even digital libraries with sound recordings.
Its reading rooms have inspired and filled the imagination of major historical figures, including Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Jane Austin, and even William Shakespeare, and helped them to leave their mark on the world.
2) The Bodleian Library at Oxford University
The second library in our list is an architectural wonder that can be found nestled within Oxford University. The Bodleian Library houses over 13 million unique historical items and records under its hallowed roof. Those interested in ancient history will find legions of ancient manuscripts and rare books. It’s also rich in academic journals and digital archives for contemporary researchers.
Over the years, many renowned scholars and authors, including prominent writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, have graced the library’s halls. However, the Bodleian Library is much more than a treasure trove of old knowledge kept in musty books on dusty shelves. With its vast digital libraries made possible thanks to the ability to compress PDF online, it’s also a testament to the enduring pursuit of learning in the modern age.
3) The Library of Congress, Washington D.C
Being the oldest federal cultural institution in the USA and one of the largest libraries in the world, the Library of Congress is home to over 170 million historically significant items. These include the original Declaration of Independence and the handwritten draft of the Constitution. Standing tall on Capitol Hill and overlooking Washington D.C., the Library of Congress has been a foundational source of knowledge for presidents, inventors, and everyday citizens alike. For example, Abraham Lincoln spent hours poring over its collections.
Today, you’ll find modern internet researchers seeking groundbreaking discoveries with the use of modern tools like digital readers and PDF compressors. As such, since its inception in 1800, the library has helped fuel American progress in both industry and the arts for centuries.
4) New York Public Library
It’s hard to miss the majestic Beaux-Arts masterpiece at 476 Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street that houses the main branch of the New York Public Library. Completed in 1911, the exterior of the remarkable building was designated a New York City landmark in 1967. The library itself was first established in 1895 and consists of 4 research facilities, along with 90 branch libraries spread throughout the city.
It houses over 53 million items. When it comes to public education and intellectual research, the NYPL stands as an important cornerstone. Notable figures like Maya Angelou and John Updike, along with many US presidents and everyday New Yorkers, have used its facilities over the years.
Conclusion
As the nature of information evolves, so does the method for archiving. From originally housing ancient clay tablets, libraries have transformed into digital depositories. Today, the world’s biggest libraries not only safeguard our historical records but also promote scientific and industrial innovation, as well as social progress.