Library of Congress - Washington DC

Ainsworth Rand Spofford was the Librarian of Congress from 1864 to 1897. He was responsible for the copyright law of 1870, which required all copyright applicants to send to the Library two copies of their work. This resulted in a flood of books, pamphlets, music, prints, and photographs. Facing a shortage of shelf space at the U.S. Capitol, Spofford convinced Congress of the need for a new building. In 1873, Congress authorized a competition to design plans for the new Library.