It’s no secret that the Library of Congress (LOC) is a national treasure. It appears that TikTokers agree, because they’ve named it the best library in the United States.
A recent study conducted by travel publication Islands analyzed library mentions and hashtags, plus video views and scores and reviews from TripAdvisor, to determine which U.S. libraries are most popular on the app. The LOC took the top spot, with 14.9 million TikTok views and 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor from 9,169 reviews. The Boston Public Library and Hearst Castle's library room placed second and third, respectively.
The report mentions that bookworms particularly revere the Thomas Jefferson Building's Beaux Arts architecture. Anyone who has set foot in the Main Reading Room, the structure's crown jewel, and gazed up at the painted ceiling that adorns its iconic 160-foot dome shouldn’t be surprised.
Established in 1800, the national historic landmark is a reader's dream. It's the world’s biggest library and boasts more than 175 million items in its catalog. Reserve free tickets to take advantage of the many exhibitions it hosts and to fully explore this treasure chest. Don't want to wait in a long line? Visit during the LOC's weekly happy hour on Thursdays from 5 to 8pm, when the library stays open late. Buy food and drinks, mingle in the Grand Hall, watch special programming and explore the exhibits, and visit the Main Reading Room. Be sure to use your government-issued ID to register for a free reader identification card to access the library’s vast catalog of research materials, too.
Check out the full list of libraries and below.
The 12 most popular libraries in the U.S., according to TikTok
1. Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
2. Boston Public Library in Boston
3. Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Calif.
4. Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at the New York Public Library in New York
5. George Peabody Library in Baltimore, Md.
6. Geisel Library in San Diego, Calif.
7. Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn, N.Y.
8. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library in New Haven, Conn.
9. Los Angeles Central Library in Los Angeles
10. Morgan Library and Museum in New York
11. Cleveland Public Library in Cleveland, Ohio
12. Seattle Public Library in Seattle