Unveiling the 10 Biggest Libraries in the USA

In the United States, libraries play a crucial role not only as repositories of knowledge but also as community hubs fostering education, research, and cultural enrichment. Among these, several stand out as the largest and most influential institutions in the country, housing extensive collections that span centuries and cover a vast array of subjects.

These libraries exemplify the resources available in the United States, providing invaluable support to scholars, students, and the general public alike. So, let’s explore the Biggest Libraries in the USA.

List of the Biggest Libraries in the USA

The following is the list of the Biggest Libraries in the USA:

• Library Of Congress
• Boston Public Library
• Harvard University Library
• New York Public Library
• University Of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign Library
• Yale University Library
• University Of California – Berkeley Library
• Columbia University Library
• University Of Michigan Library
• University Of Texas – Austin Library

1. Library Of Congress

The Library of Congress, established in 1800, is the largest in the world. Located in Washington, D.C., it holds over 170 million items, including books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts. The library’s collections are in more than 470 languages, spanning over 836 miles of bookshelves. 

It serves as the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and is accessible to the public for research. Notable items include a Gutenberg Bible and Thomas Jefferson’s library. The library also leads the National Digital Library Program, making many resources available online.

2. Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library (BPL), founded in 1848, was the first large free municipal library in the United States. Its main branch, located in Copley Square, is notable for its magnificent architecture and artwork. BPL holds over 24 million items, including books, maps, and rare manuscripts. 

The library’s McKim Building features murals by John Singer Sargent and a beautiful courtyard. BPL offers extensive digital resources and community programs, serving millions of visitors annually. It was also the first library to establish a dedicated children’s room and a branch library system, making it a pioneer in public library services.

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3. Harvard University Library

The Harvard University Library, established in 1638, is the oldest library system in the United States. It comprises over 70 libraries, making it one of the largest academic library systems globally. The collection boasts more than 20 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, and digital resources. The Widener Library, the system’s flagship, holds over 3.5 million volumes. 

Harvard’s libraries support diverse research and scholarship, offering extensive archives and special collections. Notable treasures include a Gutenberg Bible and early American documents. The library system also provides advanced digital access, serving both the Harvard community and global researchers.

4. New York Public Library

The New York Public Library (NYPL), founded in 1895, is one of the largest public libraries in the world. It serves over 17 million patrons annually through its 92 locations across New York City. The iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue features the famous Rose Main Reading Room and majestic lion statues at its entrance. 

NYPL’s collections include over 55 million items, such as books, manuscripts, maps, and digital materials. It holds notable treasures like a Gutenberg Bible and original manuscripts by Isaac Newton. NYPL offers extensive community programs, research resources, and digital access, making it a vital cultural and educational institution.

5. University Of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign Library

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library, founded in 1867, is one of the largest academic libraries in North America. It comprises over 20 departmental libraries and units, holding more than 14 million volumes and over 24 million items, including books, periodicals, and digital resources. The library’s vast collections support diverse academic research and include special collections like the Rare Book & Manuscript Library and the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections. 

The library also leads in digital innovation, offering extensive online resources and services. Its Mortenson Center for International Library Programs promotes global librarianship, emphasizing its role in global education and research.

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6. Yale University Library

Yale University Library, established in 1701, is one of the oldest and largest academic libraries in the United States. It consists of around 15 million volumes spread across 15 libraries, with the Sterling Memorial Library serving as the central hub. The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library houses rare books, manuscripts, and one of the 48 extant Gutenberg Bibles. 

Yale’s library system supports a vast range of disciplines with extensive collections in areas such as law, medicine, and the arts. It also offers robust digital resources and special collections, enhancing its role as a vital resource for students, faculty, and researchers globally.

7. University Of California – Berkeley Library

The University of California, Berkeley Library, founded in 1868, is one of the top research libraries in the world. It comprises more than 20 individual libraries across the campus, including the Doe Library and the Moffitt Library. The library system holds over 12 million print volumes and provides access to countless digital resources, supporting diverse academic disciplines. 

Special collections include the Bancroft Library, which houses unique manuscripts, rare books, and historical documents related to California and the American West. Berkeley’s library system also offers extensive services for research, teaching, and learning, making it a cornerstone of scholarly activity at the university.

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8. Columbia University Library

Columbia University Library, established in 1754, is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic libraries in the United States. It is located in New York City and consists of over 20 libraries, including the iconic Butler Library, which houses extensive collections and serves as the main library on campus. The library system holds more than 13 million volumes, including rare books, manuscripts, and digital resources. 

Columbia’s libraries support a wide range of academic disciplines and research areas, offering specialized collections in areas such as law, business, and the humanities. The library also provides comprehensive services for students, faculty, and researchers, contributing significantly to Columbia’s academic excellence and scholarly achievements.

9. University Of Michigan Library

The University of Michigan Library, established in 1838, is one of the largest university library systems in the world. It comprises multiple libraries across the Ann Arbor campus, including the iconic Hatcher Graduate Library. The library system holds over 14 million volumes, making it one of the largest academic research collections in North America. It offers extensive digital resources, including digitized books, journals, and special collections. 

The University of Michigan Library supports diverse research areas, from science and engineering to humanities and social sciences, providing essential resources and services to students, faculty, and researchers worldwide.

10. University Of Texas – Austin Library

The University of Texas at Austin Library, established in 1883, is one of the largest academic libraries in the United States. It includes several libraries across campus, with the Perry-Castañeda Library serving as the main hub. The library system holds over 10 million volumes, covering a wide range of subjects from humanities to sciences. Special collections include rare books, manuscripts, and archives that contribute to scholarly research and education. 

UT Austin’s library offers extensive digital resources and innovative services, supporting the university’s mission of excellence in teaching, research, and public service. It serves as a vital resource for students, faculty, and the broader academic community.

This table provides a concise overview of each library’s key features and statistics.

Library	Established	Location	Number of Items	Notable Features
Library of Congress	1800	Washington, D.C.	Over 170 million	Gutenberg Bible, Thomas Jefferson’s library, National Digital Library Program
New York Public Library	1895	New York, NY	Over 55 million	Rose Main Reading Room, original manuscripts by Isaac Newton
Boston Public Library	1848	Boston, MA	Over 24 million	John Singer Sargent murals, first children’s room, branch library system
University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign Library	1867	Urbana-Champaign, IL	Over 24 million	Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Illinois History and Lincoln Collections
Harvard University Library	1638	Cambridge, MA	Over 20 million	Gutenberg Bible, early American documents, 70 libraries
University of Michigan Library	1838	Ann Arbor, MI	Over 14 million	Hatcher Graduate Library, extensive digital resources
Columbia University Library	1754	New York, NY	More than 13 million	Butler Library, specialized collections in law, business, and humanities
Yale University Library	1701	New Haven, CT	Around 15 million	Gutenberg Bible, Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
University of California – Berkeley Library	1868	Berkeley, CA	Over 12 million	Bancroft Library, Doe Library, Moffitt Library
University of Texas – Austin Library	1883	Austin, TX	Over 10 million	Perry-Castañeda Library, extensive digital resources, innovative services

Conclusion 

So, these were the Biggest Libraries in the USA. They continue to be invaluable resources that adapt to the changing needs of their patrons while maintaining their rich traditions of service and scholarship. Through their extensive collections and services, these libraries play an essential role in the intellectual and cultural life of the nation.

FAQs

Which Is Asia’s Biggest Library?

Asia’s biggest library is the National Library of China, located in Beijing. It has around 37 million items, including books, manuscripts, newspapers, magazines, and digital resources.

What Is the Top 1 Largest Library in the World?

The largest library in the world is the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., USA. It has around 170 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, recordings, and more.

What Is the Most Famous Library in History?

The most famous library in history is the Library of Alexandria. The Library of Alexandria was established in the 3rd century BCE, during the reign of Ptolemy I Soter and his son Ptolemy II Philadelphus.

Which Book Is Very Costly in the World?

One of the most expensive books in the world is the “Codex Leicester,” a manuscript written by Leonardo da Vinci. The Codex Leicester is a collection of scientific writings and illustrations, containing 72 pages (18 double-sided sheets).

Who Is the Highest-Paid Author in the World?

As of recent records, the highest-paid author in the world is J.K. Rowling, renowned for her Harry Potter series. Her earnings primarily come from book sales, royalties, and adaptations of her work into films, merchandise, and theme parks.