The Librarian’s Historic Office

“Liber delectatio animae.”

This inscription — meaning “Books, delight of the soul” — adorns the circular mural in a corner of the ceremonial office of the Librarian of Congress in the historic Thomas Jefferson Building. Beneath the words, a young woman holds a book in one hand and touches her heart with the other.

Her sentiment is clear, and it is present in embellishments throughout the office. Occupied by Librarians of Congress from 1897 to 1980, the space is a magnificent ode to the power of the written word.

Owls, lamps and books appear repeatedly among the office’s decorations, and illustrations on the north and south walls trace the evolution of the poet. Nearly everywhere you look, there are gold engravings, stately marble and figures of trumpeters blaring their song.

Even the intentionally exposed lightbulbs of the room’s wall sconces emphasize the Library’s commitment to knowledge. Designed without shades, the bare bulbs reflect the Jefferson’s status as the first public building in Washington, D.C., to be constructed with electrical wiring. As the Latin in one of the room’s paintings puts it, “In tenebris lux” (“In darkness light”).

Today, the Librarian of Congress works from the Madison Building across the street from the Jefferson, but the ceremonial office still is used for meetings with dignitaries, heads of state and special guests.

Members of the general public are invited, too. Since 2016, the Library has welcomed visitors to explore the beauty of the office when it’s not in use for official business. Check the Library’s website for visiting hours the next time you’re in Washington, and come celebrate the wonder of a good book under the marble arches of this unique space.