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Library of Congress Lends Help to DCPL

Posted by: Matt Raymond

As a followup to yesterday?s blurb about the fire at the Georgetown branch of the DC Public Library ? although I didn?t know it at the time of posting, the Library of Congress is working to lend a hand. Here is a statement I received from staff in our Preservation Directorate: Ginnie Cooper, Chief Librarian …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

May Day? Law Day!

Posted by: Matt Raymond

Harper Lee?s famous novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, begins with a quote by the English essayist Charles Lamb: ?Lawyers, I suppose, were children once.? Perhaps Lee and/or Lamb was being ironic, but May 1, which is celebrated as Law Day, puts that quotation in a very literal and meaningful context. The theme of Law Day …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Library in the News, 4/30/07

Posted by: Matt Raymond

A few AP photos are starting to move from the event that ended barely an hour ago, in which German Chancellor Angela Merkel formally transferred the 1507 Waldseemüller Map to the Library of Congress and the American people (represented by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer). You can see them here, here, here, here, here and …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Library in Georgetown Hit by Fire

Posted by: Matt Raymond

The Web site of WRC-TV in Washington is reporting that the branch of the DC Public Library in the District?s historic Georgetown neighborhood is on fire. From the story: Its Peabody Room contains a special collection of items pertaining to the history of Georgetown. The fire chief told Spencer that they are aware of the …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

‘National Treasure’ at the Library

Posted by: Matt Raymond

The Library of Congress has been known for its “American Treasures” and “World Treasures” exhibitions, but more recently, we have been hosting “National Treasure.” Or, more precisely, “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” the sequel to the hit 2004 Disney film. I’m prohibited — at least for now — from talking much about the film. That’s …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Mapping Out Monday

Posted by: Matt Raymond

Wow, in business barely three days, and I already have to apologize for “light blogging.” What a day it has already been! In addition to dealing with a parking glitch that has had me spending far too much time trying to keep from being towed by the good people of the District of Columbia, I …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Library in the News, 4/25/07

Posted by: Matt Raymond

The New York Times reports on the makeshift shrines that have been erected to the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting rampage, and the role the Library of Congress will play in helping ensure their preservation. From the article (registration required): University officials are consulting with experts from the Library of Congress, which compiled materials …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Library in the News, 4/24/07

Posted by: Matt Raymond

The AP covers congressional consideration of a measure to officially recognize the 1507 Waldseemueller Map, which is owned by the Library of Congress and which celebrates its 500th anniversary tomorrow. (This is quite a week for Library of Congress birthdays!) It is the first document of any kind to refer to the Western Hemisphere as …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

David Halberstam, RIP

Posted by: Matt Raymond

I just noted the passing of famed writer and historian David Halberstam. Halberstam spoke at the Library’s 2002 National Book Festival. You can see a portion of his remarks in a webcast here.