Other than historical buildings and the rich culture and landscape, the USA is also renowned for some of the world’s largest and best libraries. If you are fortunate enough to study in the USA, this blog is just for you.
In this blog, we will be talking about some of the best libraries in the USA that you should consider while studying in the country. The USA is home to a rare ecosystem of books in print as well as in digital. From the millions of research materials to historical manuscripts and human creativity, the libraries in the USA will never disappoint you. Keep reading further to know more about the libraries in the USA.
Table of contents
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is one of the largest libraries in the world and the largest public library in the USA. This library in the USA has won hearts since 1800 and encompasses three buildings on Capitol Hill and the Packard campus in Virginia, with underground passageways connecting these buildings. If you are interested in doing research or planning to research, you will find this library in the USA is an ideal choice for you, with research materials in more than 470 languages. There are 3000 employees at your service with over 173 million items.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Established | 1800 |
| Number of Items | 173 million+ |
| Languages Available | Research materials in 470+ languages |
| Number of Employees | 3,000+ |
| Buildings | Three buildings on Capitol Hill + Packard Campus in Virginia |
| Special Features | Largest public library in the USA, ideal for research |
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library is the second largest library in the USA, ideally located in Boston. With 24 million items and 1.7 million rare manuscripts and books, this is one of the largest municipal public libraries in the USA. Serving people since 1848, the Boston Public Library in the USA hosts various public programs, including the Lowell Lecture Series, National Reading Month, Family History lectures, Author talks, Concerts in the courtyard, and history and art exhibitions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Established | 1848 |
| Number of Items | 24 million+ |
| Rare Manuscripts & Books | 1.7 million+ |
| Special Programs | Lowell Lecture Series, National Reading Month, Family History Lectures, Author Talks, Concerts, Art & History Exhibitions |
| Type | Municipal public library |
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Harvard University Library
With its ideal location in Cambridge, Harvard University Library is the third-largest library in the United States and the largest private and academic library in the world. The Harvard University Library was established with the combination of more than 70 libraries. You will find yourself strolling through the volume of 20.4 million, containing 400 manuscripts, one million maps, and 10 million photographs. With its establishment in 1638, the Harvard University Library is one of the oldest libraries in the USA.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Established | 1638 |
| Number of Items | 20.4 million volumes |
| Special Collections | 400 manuscripts, 1 million maps, 10 million photographs |
| Libraries Combined | 70+ libraries |
| Special Features | Largest private and academic library in the world |
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library (NYPL) is the fourth-largest public library in the World. With 53 million items and its branches in 90 locations, it is one of the most fantastic libraries in the USA. Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island are some of the prominent locations where you will find the branches of this amazing library in the USA. The volume of the library is 16,342,365, This library in the USA is an essential provider of books and is free to everyone who walks through the door.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | New York City |
| Established | 1895 |
| Number of Items | 53 million+ |
| Branches | 90 locations |
| Major Locations | Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island |
| Library Volume | 16.3 million books |
| Special Features | Free access for everyone |
The University of Michigan Library
The University Of Michigan Library is another amazing library in the USA with 16,025,996 volumes of books. If you are pursuing any PhD or any research course, this library in the USA is an ideal choice for you. The library contains 17,000 individual fragments dated back from 1000 BC to 1000 AD and 7,000 items in inventory. You will find a huge collection of ancient manuscripts in this library in USA.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| Number of Items | 16 million+ volumes |
| Ancient Manuscripts | 17,000+ fragments (1000 BC – 1000 AD) |
| Special Inventory | 7,000+ rare items |
| Special Features | Ideal for PhD students & researchers |
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Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Located at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is one of the world’s largest libraries dedicated exclusively to rare books and manuscripts. Established in 1963, it houses over one million books, including the Gutenberg Bible and the Voynich Manuscript. The library’s unique architecture features translucent marble walls, providing natural light while protecting the rare collections.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | New Haven, Connecticut (Yale University) |
| Established | 1963 |
| Number of Items | 1 million+ rare books |
| Special Collections | Gutenberg Bible, Voynich Manuscript, Medieval manuscripts |
| Architectural Highlight | Translucent marble walls |
| Special Features | One of the world’s largest rare book libraries |
Los Angeles Public Library
The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is a massive network of 72 branches, serving millions of people across the city. Established in 1872, it provides a vast collection of over 6 million books, digital resources, and rare historical archives. The library’s main branch, the Richard J. Riordan Central Library, is a landmark featuring beautiful murals and stunning architecture. LAPL offers free access to computers, online courses, and career development programs, making it an essential hub for students.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Established | 1872 |
| Number of Items | 6 million+ books |
| Branches | 72 locations across Los Angeles |
| Special Features | Free online courses, career development programs, historical archives |
| Main Branch | Richard J. Riordan Central Library |
Princeton University Library
Princeton University Library, founded in 1750, is one of the oldest academic libraries in the USA. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, it consists of multiple libraries with over 14 million books, rare manuscripts, and digital archives. The library specializes in research materials for the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The Firestone Library, its main branch, houses historical collections and special exhibits. Students benefit from advanced research tools, digital resources, and expert guidance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Princeton, New Jersey |
| Established | 1750 |
| Number of Items | 14 million+ books |
| Main Branch | Firestone Library |
| Special Collections | Rare manuscripts, digital archives |
| Special Features | Advanced research tools and expert guidance |
University of Chicago Library
The University of Chicago Library is one of the top academic libraries in the USA, providing access to over 12 million volumes. Established in 1891, it consists of several libraries, including the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, known for its underground storage and futuristic glass dome. This library serves students with an extensive collection of research materials, digital archives, and state-of-the-art study spaces.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Established | 1891 |
| Number of Items | 12 million+ books |
| Main Library | Joe and Rika Mansueto Library |
| Special Features | Underground storage, digital archives, advanced research resources |
| Strong Subjects | Law, economics, social sciences |
San Francisco Public Library
The San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) is one of the best public libraries in the USA, with a strong focus on digital resources and community programs. Established in 1879, it has over 4 million books, e-books, and archives. The Main Library, located in Civic Center, is a six-story building with dedicated study spaces, research centers, and technology labs. SFPL offers free access to Wi-Fi, language-learning programs, and job training sessions. It is a great resource for students, professionals, and researchers looking for a well-equipped and modern library.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | San Francisco, California |
| Established | 1879 |
| Number of Items | 4 million+ books |
| Main Library | Civic Center Main Library |
| Special Features | Free Wi-Fi, language-learning programs, technology labs |
| Community Focus | Job training, digital literacy programs |
FAQs on Libraries in USA
Some of the largest libraries in USA include the Library of Congress, Boston Public Library, Harvard University Library, New York Public Library, and The University Of Michigan Library.
The Library of Congress is the largest public library in the US, situated in Washington, D.C.. It is also the national library of the United States.
There are 17,454 public libraries in USA as of 2020. This includes all the libraries, from central and branch libraries to mobile libraries.
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world with millions of items in a variety of formats. There are 3000 employees at your service, and your service has over 173 million items.
With millions of books, films and videos, audio recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections, the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world.
University libraries in the USA offer study spaces, research databases, e-books, and academic journals. They also provide printing services, workshops, and librarian support for research.
Public libraries are mostly free, but late book returns may have small fines. University libraries may charge for printing, lost books, or special research services.
Yes, many libraries in the USA provide free access to e-books, online journals, and research databases. You can access them using a library card or student ID.
Some university libraries are open 24/7, especially during exams. Public libraries have fixed hours, usually from morning to evening, with reduced hours on weekends.
Yes, international students can use most libraries in the USA. University libraries are open to enrolled students, while public libraries allow anyone to access books and online resources with a free library card.
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