Government Shutdown Closes Library of Congress

The Library of Congress announced today that it will be closing its doors due to the government shutdown. As the statement on its website reads,

Due to the temporary shutdown of the federal government, the Library of Congress is closed to the public and researchers beginning October 1, 2013 until further notice.

All public events are cancelled and websites inaccessible except the legislative information sites THOMAS.gov and beta.congress.gov.

The National Archives building and website have also been shut down. Additionally, the social media sites for both sites are no longer being updated.

Don’t you just *love* politics?

Amazing Libraries From Around the World

Jay Walker’s private library. Apparently when you create a wildly successful website, you get to make your own awesome library. Who else is green with envy?

What’s more perfect than a library? Nothing, you say? Well, you’re half right: a library is perfect, but a *beautiful* library is a step above perfection. And luckily for us book lovers, there are dozens upon dozens of stunning libraries all around the world to inspire us (and give us a bad case of the travel bug). After all, what could be better than sitting down in a comfy chair and reading a book or two in one of the most architecturally amazing buildings on the planet? Not much!

If you thought the Amazing Bookstores From Around the World post had cool stores in it, just wait until you see these libraries.