Key Highlights
- The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. is the biggest library in the United States. It has over 34 million books.
- The size of a library is mostly judged by the number of volumes or items in its collection.
- The united states has a list of the largest libraries, which includes some public libraries and some major university libraries.
- The Boston Public Library and the New York Public Library are two of the largest public libraries in the country.
- Some university libraries, like those in Harvard and Yale, are also part of the largest library systems in the united states.
Introduction
Step into a world full of books, learning, and amazing buildings. In the united states, you will find some of the largest libraries out there. These places are much more than spots to pick up a book. They offer key library services and bring people together. The american library association tracks the number of volumes in these huge buildings. Are you wondering which is the largest library in the united states? This guide will show you the biggest libraries, sorted by how many books they have.
Largest Libraries in the United States 2026: The Definitive List
When people want to find out which are the largest libraries in the United States, they usually look at the total number of volumes. This means counting everything in the library, like print books, bound magazines, and electronic books that are listed in the catalog. Counting all of these shows the real size of a library’s collection. This is a good way to compare some top libraries.
In our list, you will see the top libraries from across the country. There are public libraries that anyone can use and also some big college libraries. The number of volumes in these largest libraries goes over 30 million at the top, and other leading libraries have millions of volumes, too. Let’s look at the top five and see how they compare.
1. Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.)
Topping the list is the Library of Congress, the de facto national library of the United States. Located in Washington, D.C., this institution primarily serves the U.S. Congress but also opens its doors to researchers and the public. Its immense size is staggering, housed across three main buildings on Capitol Hill that are connected by underground passageways. This makes it not just a library but a sprawling campus dedicated to knowledge.
The sheer scale of its holdings is what makes the Library of Congress the biggest library in the US. With millions of items, it’s a treasure trove of information.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of Volumes | 34,528,818 |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Key Role | Official research library for the U.S. Congress |
Founded in 1800, the library’s collection includes an incredible variety of materials, from rare books and manuscripts to maps and electronic resources. Its holdings document the history and creativity of the world, making it an unparalleled resource for anyone seeking information. The library’s architecture itself is a marvel, featuring beautiful murals and marble halls.
2. Boston Public Library (Massachusetts)
The Boston Public Library in Massachusetts takes the second place among US libraries. This spot in Boston has been important to the city since it started in 1848. The library is the second-largest public library in the country. The Boston Public Library runs as the city’s library system and welcomes everyone. People can come in to use a huge amount of resources. The library cares about helping Boston and its people.
It has a giant collection with 19,090,261 volumes. All adults who live in the Massachusetts Commonwealth can borrow items from here. That means they get access to a lot of information. The library has more than the Main Branch. It also has many locations all over Boston. So, more people can find what they need close to where they live.
The Boston Public Library is known not just for books but also for its murals, great art, and wonderful courtyard. There are rare manuscripts and books covering different things like art, American history, and art history. This makes the library a favorite spot for researchers and anyone who loves learning about history or art.
3. New York Public Library (New York)
Next on our tour is the New York Public Library. It is the fourth-biggest public library in the United States. This well-known place has given free access to books and information since 1895. If you have been to New York, you may have seen the main library. There are two stone lions called Patience and Fortitude guarding the entrance.
The New York Public Library has 92 locations. You can find its branches in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Because of this, people in New York from many walks of life can get to its resources. The library collection includes 16,342,365 books and other items. There are also four major research libraries that anyone can visit, in addition to libraries where you can borrow books.
Groups like the Public Library Association, which is a division of the American Library Association, collect data about the size of the library’s holdings. These reports help make sure there is an accurate count of what is in the many public libraries across the United States, including the New York Public Library.
4. Harvard University Library (Massachusetts)
Among the largest libraries in the US are some great college and university libraries. The Harvard University Library is the biggest one among them. The library is in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is the third-largest in the country. It is also the biggest university library anywhere in the world. The Harvard Library is not only one building. It is made up of more than 70 separate libraries.
This place is also the oldest library system in the nation. The story goes back to 1638. That is when John Harvard gave his 400 books to the college. From small roots, the harvard university library has grown a lot. Now it holds 16,832,952 items. These numbers show that there has be years of strong work to keep up high standards and save knowledge.
The harvard library is run privately. It is very important for research. It works with other libraries in a group to protect and share books and information. This makes sure that students and teachers can use its huge collections for years to come. Its large size and history make this oldest library system in massachusetts a vital place for learning.
5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library (Illinois)
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library is the fifth-largest library in the United States. It is also one of the biggest public university libraries in the world. The university library system started in 1867 when the board gave $1,000 to buy the first 644 books.
The library grew from there. Now, it has 13,158,748 holdings. In the 1970s, the library system grew a lot and changed in big ways. At that time, it became the third-largest library in the country. The library’s collection has many types of materials. You can find physical books as well as lots of digital resources.
One thing the library is known for is its large amount of materials about Abraham Lincoln, who was the 16th president of the United States. The data collected for academic libraries like this one is not exactly the same as the data for public libraries. One reason is a public libraries survey uses different ways of counting a “volume.” Here, both print and some electronic formats are counted.
Conclusion
When you look at the largest libraries in the United States, you see more than huge book collections. You find great culture and learning at places like the Library of Congress and the Boston Public Library. These are important places that help people get knowledge and bring the community together. Each library here shows why it matters to keep books safe and let everyone get to information. It does not matter if you just love reading or want a quiet spot to work. These libraries have something for you. If you want to know more about their books or want to visit, you can go and find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is library size measured in the United States?
In the United States, people usually measure the size of a library by looking at the total number of volumes or items in the library collection. This count has all the cataloged physical things, like books and bound periodicals. The number of items also includes electronic books that the library owns or leases, as long as they are in the library’s catalog.
Are there any college or university libraries among the largest in the US?
Yes, that’s right. Many of the largest libraries in the country are at universities. Big schools like Harvard University, the University of Illinois, and Yale University Library are some of the top 10 largest libraries. These college libraries are important places for research. Students, teachers, and people from all over the world use them.
What makes the Library of Congress the biggest library in the country?
The Library of Congress is the biggest library because it has the most when it comes to holdings. In this place, there are more than 34 million books and other print materials that people can find. The library of congress is known as the nation’s main library. There, you will get access to a huge amount of print materials, electronic books, manuscripts, maps, and more.