Stuff You Missed in History Class: Library of Congress
Episode Release Date: May 28, 2025
Hosts: Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson
Production: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction: Controversy Surrounding the Librarian of Congress
In this episode, Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the recent and highly controversial dismissal of Dr. Carla Hayden, the first woman and African American to serve as Librarian of Congress. The incident, which occurred on May 8, 2024, has sparked significant debate and concern across political spectrums.
Key Points:
- Unprecedented Termination: Dr. Hayden was dismissed by the sitting president, an action that deviates from the norm where Librarians of Congress typically serve ten-year terms or longer.
- Immediate Replacement: The president appointed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch, a personal attorney with no background in library science, as the acting head of the Library of Congress.
- Legal and Ethical Concerns: The appointment bypassed the standard nomination and Senate confirmation process, raising red flags among both Democratic and Republican Congress members.
- Support for Dr. Hayden: The American Library Association, under the leadership of President Cindy Hole, publicly expressed support for Dr. Hayden, highlighting her exemplary service and dedication.
Notable Quote:
"Dr. Hayden has long been described by her peers and her colleagues as an exemplary librarian in every position that she has had, without exception."
— Holly Fry (02:30)
The president’s spokesperson attributed the firing to allegations that Dr. Hayden was "putting inappropriate books in the library for children." However, the hosts clarified that the Library of Congress is a research institution with strict access policies, including age restrictions and no lending services, rendering this justification unfounded.
Notable Quote:
"The Library of Congress doesn't lend books to children. It's not a circulating library."
— Tracy V. Wilson (04:10)
Early History of the Library of Congress
Establishment and Early Years (1800-1814)
The origins of the Library of Congress date back to the early 19th century, coinciding with the relocation of the United States government from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.
Key Points:
- Foundation: In 1800, the U.S. Congress allocated $5,000 for books, marking the inception of what would become the Library of Congress.
- First Collection: The initial collection comprised 152 items, housed temporarily in the Secretary of the Senate’s office.
- First Librarian: John James Beckley, an English-born political ally of Thomas Jefferson, was appointed as the first Librarian of Congress in 1802. Beckley was instrumental in cataloging the library’s initial holdings.
Notable Quote:
"He was responsible for creating the library's first catalog, a significant achievement given his simultaneous role as Clerk of the House of Representatives."
— Tracy V. Wilson (10:01)
Destruction During the War of 1812
In 1814, British forces set fire to Washington, D.C., resulting in the complete destruction of the Library of Congress.
Key Points:
- Impact of War: The burning of the Capitol led to the loss of the entire library collection.
- Thomas Jefferson’s Response: Upon learning of the fire, Jefferson, then retired at Monticello, swiftly offered his personal library to replenish the devastated collection. Despite initial controversies over pricing and the selection of volumes, Jefferson's contribution vastly expanded the library's holdings.
Notable Quote:
"I learned from the newspapers that the vandalism of our enemy has triumphed at Washington over science as well as the arts."
— Thomas Jefferson (additional context from Holly Fry)
Rebuilding and Expansion (1815-1897)
Rebuilding Efforts and Additional Fires
Post-war reconstruction efforts saw the Library of Congress gradually rebuild its collection and infrastructure, though not without further setbacks.
Key Points:
- Temporary Accommodations: After the 1814 fire, the library's collection was stored in various temporary locations, including hotel attics and conference rooms within the Capitol.
- Subsequent Fires: Accidental fires in 1825 and 1851 caused significant losses, prompting debates on fireproofing and preservation methods.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Architect Thomas U. Walter spearheaded the design of fireproof rooms, leading to the construction of iron-lined areas in the Capitol by 1853, and additional fireproof wings in 1866.
Notable Quote:
"The 1851 fire made it apparent that the Library of Congress would always be vulnerable unless the steps were taken to help ensure the safety of the collection."
— Holly Fry (18:00)
The New Building and Classification Systems
As the collection grew exponentially, the need for a dedicated and expansive facility became evident.
Key Points:
- New Building Authorization: In 1886, Congress authorized the construction of a purpose-built Library of Congress building, which opened on November 1, 1897.
- Architectural Significance: The new structure, designed by Bernard R. Greene, featured an Italian Renaissance exterior and was lauded as the largest and safest library globally upon its completion.
- Library of Congress Classification (LCC): In 1898, catalogers were introduced to develop the LCC system, which remains a foundational classification method in academic libraries today.
Notable Quote:
"This building featured not only a beautiful Italian Renaissance exterior but an interior that was filled with art and sculpture commissioned from US Artists. It was nicknamed the Temple of the Arts."
— Tracy V. Wilson (22:45)
20th Century Developments
Preservation and Digital Transformation
The 20th century ushered in significant advancements in preservation, cataloging, and digital access.
Key Points:
- World War II Safeguards: During World War II, critical documents like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were moved to Fort Knox for protection. Additionally, rare items like the Gutenberg Bible were secured in secret locations, including Lincoln Cathedral.
- Technological Innovations: In 1966, the Library of Congress pioneered Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) records, enabling digital catalog searches and laying the groundwork for modern library databases.
- Digitization Efforts: By 1994, the library launched its website and the National Digital Library program, aiming to digitize primary sources to support historical and cultural studies. The World Digital Library, initiated in 2009 in collaboration with UNESCO, further expanded global access to primary documents in multiple languages.
Notable Quote:
"By December 31st, 1980, physical card catalogs were completely phased out in favor of digital cataloging, revolutionizing how libraries manage and share information."
— Tracy V. Wilson (40:37)
Expansion and Modernization
Throughout the 20th century, the Library of Congress continued to expand its physical and digital infrastructure to accommodate its growing collections.
Key Points:
- New Buildings: The James Madison Memorial Building opened in 1980, providing additional space and housing the Copyright Office. This expansion addressed the library’s swelling collection, which by then included millions of volumes.
- Preservation Science: Research into book preservation began in the 1960s, focusing on safeguarding more recent materials susceptible to degradation. This led to the establishment of standardized preservation practices still in use today.
Notable Quote:
"In 1944, the library was the debut location for Aaron Copland's ballet Appalachian Spring, highlighting its role not just as a repository of knowledge but as a cultural hub."
— Holly Fry (31:26)
Modern Achievements and Dr. Carla Hayden’s Tenure
Growth and Accessibility
Under Dr. Carla D. Hayden’s leadership, the Library of Congress saw significant growth in both its collections and its outreach programs.
Key Points:
- Collection Size: As of 2024, the library boasts over 181 million items in more than 470 languages, with approximately 2 million new items added annually.
- Digital Presence: The library’s websites attracted 98 million unique visitors and amassed half a billion page views, indicating a substantial increase in digital accessibility.
- Services Expansion: The establishment of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) in 1946, renamed in 1970, provided comprehensive research support to Congress. Additionally, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled circulated over 22 million copies of accessible materials in fiscal year 2024.
Notable Quote:
"In fiscal year 2024, CRS handled over 75,000 congressional requests, published over 1,000 new products, and updated over 1,700 existing projects."
— Dr. Carla Hayden (47:09)
Dr. Hayden’s Advocacy and Vision
Dr. Hayden was a staunch advocate for making the library’s vast resources accessible to all, including children and underserved communities.
Key Points:
- Educational Initiatives: Hayden launched the National Digital Library program and a dedicated learning portal offering lesson plans and study guides for educators.
- Cultural Programs: She expanded the library’s cultural offerings, including concerts and public exhibitions, fostering a broader appreciation for the library’s collections.
- Inclusivity Efforts: As the first Black Librarian of Congress, Hayden emphasized the importance of diversity and representation within the library’s collections and programs.
Notable Quote:
"History is a long haul. Times we're going through now, yes, they're kind of rough, but there have been other rough times, and look what's happened and where we've come once again."
— Dr. Carla Hayden (45:44)
Conclusion: The Future of the Library of Congress
The episode concludes by highlighting the Library of Congress's pivotal role in preserving American history and culture. Despite the recent controversy surrounding Dr. Hayden's dismissal, the library’s expansive collections and ongoing initiatives continue to serve as invaluable resources for researchers, educators, and the general public.
Key Takeaways:
- The Library of Congress remains the world's largest library, with a diverse and ever-growing collection.
- Technological advancements and digital initiatives have significantly enhanced accessibility and preservation.
- Leadership changes, such as the firing of Dr. Carla Hayden, have sparked important discussions about governance, oversight, and the future direction of this national institution.
Notable Quote:
"Today, the Library of Congress is the world's largest library. There are more than 181 million pieces in the collection, and 470 different languages are represented."
— Holly Fry (45:44)
This episode of "Stuff You Missed in History Class" provides an in-depth exploration of the Library of Congress's rich history, its significant challenges, and its ongoing evolution as a cornerstone of American knowledge and culture.