National Library of Education, Government education library in Washington DC, United States.
The National Library of Education is a federal library located inside the U.S. Department of Education building in Washington, D.C. It holds a large collection of textbooks, journals, research reports, and government documents all focused on education and teaching.
The collection traces its origins to educator Henry Barnard's personal library, which he donated to the Education Department in 1867. Congress formally recognized the institution as a national library in 1994, giving it the status it holds today.
The library is mainly used by researchers, educators, and policy specialists, though it is open to the general public. Visitors can browse materials on American schooling from early grade levels to higher education, making it a working library rather than a display space.
The library is open Monday through Friday and is accessible to the public, though scheduling a visit in advance is recommended. It sits in central Washington, D.C., and is easy to reach by metro or bus.
The library also serves as a Federal Depository Library, which means it is required by law to collect and preserve official government documents beyond its education focus. Many visitors who come specifically for the education materials are unaware of this broader role.
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