You have probably visited your town's public library to check out books, magazines and videos, but have you thought about why your town thinks it is important to have a library?
Not only do libraries give citizens opportunities for research and education, they are also a central place for local governments to preserve historical documents and books important to your area. Your town may also use the library for special classes, city lectures and voter registration centers.
Many of the programs that a library sponsors are free. Tax money helps to pay for the libraries, their materials and their programs.
In the United States, we also have state libraries that keep records and documents about state history. There is also an unofficial national library called the Library of Congress. Located in Washington, D.C., the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world.
Check It Out
Visit America's Library to learn more about American history.
