On January 26, 1802 Thomas Jefferson established the Library of Congress. In an era where many individuals did not read and made only scratchings in signing their names, Jefferson understood the power and magesty of books. He must have felt as I do, that without books, we are but drifting through life.
Jefferson spoke seven languages and preferred reading, whenever possible, books in their original form. He taught himself Spanish so that he could read Cervante's DON QUIXOTE in Cervante's native language.
When my first book was published, I was thrilled to read the copyright page which stated that the book had been registered with the Library of Congress. I was part of the largest library in the world.
So, for today, I am grateful for libraries.
That is kind of cool that you were registered with that.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realized that Jefferson was responsible for the Library of Congress, but it makes sense, given his love of reading. One of my favorite Jefferson quotes is "I cannot live without books."
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