Libraries, revered as timeless bastions of knowledge, have stood as formidable institutions for millennia. Across the annals of history, these institutions have amassed vast collections comprising books, government documents, and various media forms. Presently, the libraries listed here boast some of the most extensive collections globally, surpassing others in sheer volume and diversity.
Library of Congress: Reigning as the largest library globally in 2023, the Library of Congress boasts a colossal catalog, exceeding 160 million items, accompanied by an impressive annual budget exceeding US$600 million. It serves as the designated repository for the United States Congress, fulfilling its official role, but also extends access to academic researchers holding a Reader Identification Card, albeit with the restriction that materials can only be utilized on-site.
Library of Congress, located in Washington, D.C., USA, holds the title of the biggest library in the world, followed by British Library, New York Public Library, Library and Archives Canada and Shanghai Library.
Here is the list of top-10 biggest libraries in the world:
Biggest Libraries in the World | ||||
Rank | Library | No. of Items in Catalogue | Location | Year Opened |
1. | Library of Congress | 167 million+ | Washington, D.C., USA | 1800 |
2. | British Library | 150 million+ | London, England, United England | 1973 |
3. | New York Public Library | 55 million+ | New York City, New York, USA | 1911 |
4. | Library and Archives Canada | 54 million+ | Ottawa, Canada | 2004 |
5. | Shanghai Library | 50 million+ | Shanghai, China | 1952 |
6. | Russian State Library | 47 million+ | Moscow, Russia | 1862 |
7. | National Diet Library | 41.8 million+ | Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan | 1948 |
8. | Bibliotheque nationale de France | 40 million+ | Paris, France | 14th century |
9. | National Library of Russia | 37.89 million+ | Saint Petersburg, Russia | 1795 |
10. | National Library of China | 37.68 million+ | Beijing, China | 1909 |
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Number of Items in Catalogue: 167 million+
Visitors Per Year: about 1.9 million
Year Opened: April 24, 1800
The Library of Congress, the world’s largest library, houses a staggering 167 million items, including 39 million books, 3.6 million recordings, 14.8 million photographs, 5.5 million maps, 8.1 million pieces of sheet music, and 72 million manuscripts. Serving as the U.S. national library, it’s a vital research hub and copyright registration center, processing over 450,000 claims in 2017.
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Number of Items in Catalogue: 150 million+
Visitors Per Year: 1.48 million
Year Opened: July 1, 1973
The British Library in London stands as the second largest library globally, rivaled only by the Library of Congress. Boasting a vast collection exceeding 150 million items, with an annual addition of 3 million new items, it’s a monumental institution housed in the largest public building constructed in 20th-century United Kingdom, spanning 12,000 square meters.
Location: New York City, New York, USA
Number of Items in Catalogue: 55 million+
Visitors Per Year: 17.3 million
Year Opened: May 23, 1911
Ranked as the third largest globally, the New York Public Library boasts a collection exceeding 55 million books and research materials. While smaller than the British Library and Library of Congress, it attracts a remarkable 17 million annual visitors, nearly eight times more than its larger counterparts. Comprising 92 locations across New York City and its environs, including The Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, it stands as a widely accessible cultural and educational resource.
Library of Congress, located in Washington, D.C., USA, holds the title of the biggest library in the world.
The National Library of China is the largest library in Asia, boasting a collection of over 33.78 million items.
The British Library in London stands as the second largest library globally, rivaled only by the Library of Congress.
The National Library of India is a library located in Belvedere Estate, Alipore, Kolkata, India. It is India's largest library by volume and public record.
The top-5 biggest libraries in the world are: Library of Congress, British Library, New York Public Library, Library and Archives Canada and Shanghai Library.
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