The Library of Congress will celebrate its Bicentennial on April 24, 2000.

Bicentennial Goal The Bicentennial goal is "to inspire creativity in the century ahead by stimulating greater use of the Library of Congress and libraries everywhere." The Library of Congress Bicentennial commemoration will be a national celebration of all libraries and the important role they play in our society. The Bicentennial goal will be achieved through national, state, and local projects, developed in collaboration with Members of Congress, libraries, cultural organizations, and citizens throughout the country.

Bicentennial Logo and Theme The logo for the Library of Congress Bicentennial features the interior dome of the Library's Main Reading Room and the theme is "Libraries - Creativity - Liberty." The unseen painting within the circle in the dome's "eye" is the image of a woman representing "Human Understanding." In the painting, "Human Understanding" is lifting her veil looking upward toward the future. This logo and theme symbolize the Bicentennial goal of stimulating creativity and ensuring a free society through the greater use of libraries everywhere.

Support for the Bicentennial James Madison from the online exhibition Religion and the Founding of the American Republic The Library’s Bicentennial programs are supported by private funds, including donations from the James Madison Council. The Madison Council was established in 1990 to help the Library share its unique resources with the nation and the world.

Coordination with Other Programs The Library of Congress Bicentennial commemoration is being coordinated with other organizations during 1998-2000, including the White House Millennium Program; "My History Is America's History," a millennium project of the National Endowment for the Humanities; the Nation's Capitol National Bicentennial celebration; and the Millennium Projects program of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Bicentennial Steering Committee Co-Chairs John Y. Cole, Director of the Center for the Book Jo Ann Jenkins, the Library's Chief of Staff Steering Committee Members Roberta Stevens, Bicentennial Program Manager Norma Baker, Director of Development Jill Brett, the Library's Public Affairs Officer Laura Campbell, Director of the National Digital Library Program Geraldine Otremba, Director of the Congressional Relations Office Winston Tabb, Associate Librarian for Library Services

Library of Congress