A national library is specifically established by the government of a country to serve as the preeminent repository of information for that country. The four national libraries in the United States are:
- Library of Congress (LOC)
- National Agricultural Library (NAL)
- National Library of Education (NLE)
- National Library of Medicine (NLM)
Federal Depository Libraries are facilities operated by the Government Printing Office (GPO) and staffed by trained librarians. Federal publications issued by the GPO and other information products are made available for free public use at these libraries throughout the United States. If you wish to view a list of federal libraries, please visit the federal government libraries web page from the Library of Congress.
A public library is accessible by the public and is generally funded from public sources (such as tax monies) and may be operated by civil servants. You may wish to locate a library near you or view a list of state libraries . It is also possible to Ask a Librarian your question directly online in a live chat or by e-mail. Librarians are available for live chat sessions Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. CT and Friday from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. CT.
The summer initiative "Let's Read. Let's Move." seeks to combat childhood obesity and summer reading loss by engaging youth in summer reading and physical activity, as well as by providing access to healthy, affordable food. Additional information about summer reading fun is available.
For additional information and resources relating to libraries, please visit USA.gov's Government and Public Libraries web page. There you will find national, federal agency, and local libraries, as well as online library databases.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) loans recorded and Braille books and magazines; music scores in Braille and large print; and specially designed playback equipment to residents of the United States who are unable to read or use standard print materials because of visual or physical impairment. Service is also extended to eligible American citizens residing abroad .
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