The Library of Congress helps rebuild Baghdad's library

The Library of Congress (LoC) has stepped in to help rebuild and restructure Baghdad's National Library after it was devastated by arson and looting in April.

Because the LoC has extensive experience assisting libraries and archives worldwide in recovering from all types of emergencies, the library's leadership was eager to oblige when the State Department asked for help, said Mark Roosa, the library's director for preservation.

We want to assist the Iraqi people in re-establishing their country and getting it back on its feet, and we see this as very much a part of the effort that the president is moving forward Roosa said.

In a statement, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington said: "Libraries are essential to democracies; without unfettered access to information and knowledge, freedom cannot flourish. Everything we can do to preserve and enhance Iraq’s national treasures, we should do."

- Source: The Hill - The Newspaper for and about the U.S. Congress

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