Library of Congress

Library of Congress

This article is part of a semester-long series following Aubrey Neal’s experiences in the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program (WHIP). WHIP provides Hillsdale College students the opportunity to participate in semester-long internships in D.C. while taking classes at Hillsdale College’s Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center.

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Every weekend, my roommate and I visit the monuments. There are a lot of recommendations that I can make for a Washington DC visitor, but this one would be top of the list: go out and explore DC. Better yet, just go out and explore.

This week’s extravaganza of walking down new roads and seeing new sights led us to the beautiful front steps of the Library of Congress – a building that is eye catching from the outside as well as the inside. As we ascended the steps of the West Front Entrance, which wrap around the colossal Neptune Fountain, I could not help but look up into the eyes of the nine great men whose busts guard the door: Demosthenes, Emerson, Irving, Goethe, Franklin, Macaulay, Hawthorne, Scott, and Dante. Shrinking mildly under their intimidating gaze, we walked under the marble arch and through the carved oak door into The Great Hall.

There are no words to adequately describe the majesty of this room. The rotunda, which is the classical view from which the Library is constantly represented, is beautiful and awe inspiring. However, the rotunda, which is what I believed made up the Library of Congress as a whole, is only a small portion of the actually Library. The Great Hall consists of two levels of balconies, which are covered in hand painted masterpieces that surround a marble center. With painted representations of Knowledge, Theology, Courage, and a number of other virtues, one cannot help but be drawn into all of the messages and stories being told. From olive branches to grape vines, every inch of the naturally-lit room is covered with true art.

You know that you have found true beauty when posterity feels pressured to only whisper in its presence. Similar to the Heritage Room back on Hillsdale’s Campus, the people who pass through the door and into this incredible place immediately feel a sense of respect and awe for what they are witnessing. Yes, it is just a building, but at the same time, it is an experience. My roommate and I had planned on simply stopping by, looking at the rotunda, and getting library cards. Three hours later, we dragged ourselves back under the archway into the busy, modern world with the promise that we would go back this upcoming week. It cannot come soon enough.

When you come to DC (or when you return), please visit the Library of Congress and take the time to really be there. Go ahead, take pictures. But then, put everything away and just stand, stare, and remember to breathe.  It has been described by many as “the most beautiful building in America,” and there is no doubt in my mind that there is overwhelming truth in this phase.

Aubrey Neal is a junior at Hillsdale College, majoring in Political Economy. She is currently a participant in the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program, interning in the public policy department at FreedomWorks. Originally from the mountains of Northern Idaho, Aubrey is excited to share her numerous new experiences and opportunities from the capitol with Hillsdale and its supporters.