Library of Congress - Over 33,012,750 items*

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On the eve of Jaipur Literature festival, we have a look at the world's top ten largest libraries.

The Library of Congress is the largest or biggest library in the world. It has the largest number of books, recordings, maps and manuscripts which are over 33,012,750 in number. Situated in Washington D.C, this is the oldest library of USA . It was established in 1800, when President John Adams signed a bill providing for the transfer of the seat of government from Philadelphia to the new capital city of Washington .

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Established with a sum of $5,000, the original library was housed in the new Capitol until August 1814, when invading British troops set fire to the Capitol Building , burning and pillaging the contents of the small library. When the Library of Congress building opened its doors to the public on November 1, 1897, it was hailed as a glorious national monument and 'the largest, the costliest, and the safest' library building in the world.

National Library of China - Over 28,980,777 items

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National Library of China is the largest and great library of Asia , and second biggest library of the World. It's collection is over 28,980,777 books which includes individually counted periodicals of about 12 million. It holds the largest worldwide collection of Chinese literature. The Library was founded in 1909 in Beijing , China and all the books on China 's history are available in the library.

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The Library not only has the largest collection of Chinese books in the world, but also the biggest collection of materials in foreign languages in the country.

National Library Canada - Over 26,006,054 items

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National Library Canada is a Canadian federal government department responsible for the collection and preservation of the documentary heritage of Canada through texts, pictures and other documents relevant to the history and culture of Canada . Its books collection is over (26,006,054) and this is the third largest library in the world. This most beautiful library is the national asset of Canada .

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The Library also hosts a comprehensive collection on Canadian history, Canada in World War 1 and 2.

Deutsche Bibliothek - Over 24,487,010 items

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Deutsche Bibliothek is the national library of Germany which was established in 1912. The prime purpose of this library is to collect all the German publications and collection of all material published on Germany in other languages. It is the third largest or biggest library in the world as it has 24,487,010 items.

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Located at both Frankfurt and Leipig, archiving and manual handling of literature takes place at both the locations. The library has a renewed mandate since the reunification of Germany in 1990.

British Library - Over 23,500,000 items

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British Library is the national library of the UK , which was founded in 1753. It is based in London and one of the world's most significant research libraries, holding over (15,500,000) items in all known languages and formats. The Library's collections include around 23,500,000 books. BL includes almost three million books every year in its archives. All this requires over 625 km of shelves, and grows by 12 km every year.

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Viewing items at the rate of 5 per day, it would take a person over 80,000 years to see the Library's entire of the collection. The library receives a copy of every publication produced in the UK and Ireland . The Library also boasts of a collection of 8 million stamps. It also houses many rare items including the famous medieval Magna Carta, Leonardo Da Vinci's notebook, Beatleas manuscripts etc.

Harvard University - Over 15,000,000 items

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Harvard University Library system comprises about 90 libraries, with more than (15,000,000) books. It is the oldest library system in the United States and one of the largest academic library system in the world. It is the sixth largest library in the world. It was founded in 1638.

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Being an academic library, it also holds the record copy of PhD dissertations, as well as some masters theses, most undergraduate honors theses, and prize papers, along with regular publications.

Russian State Library - Over 14,750,000 items

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Russian State Library is the national library of Russia , and was founded in 1795 and it is located in Moscow . It is the largest and the oldest library in the country and the sixth largest in the world. Its books collection is over (14,750,000). This is the most popular or famous library in Russia .

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Today the library comprises a unique collection of Russian and foreign documents in 247 languages. About 200 new readers register with the prestigious library every day. The overall number of daily visitors amounts to 4000.

New York Public Library - Over 14,685,192 items

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New York Public Library (NYPL) is one of the leading public libraries of the world and is one of America 's most significant research libraries. It was founded in 1895 and now it has 87 branches. Its books collection is over (14,685,192).

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Its origins date back to the time when New York was emerging as one of the world's most important cities in 18th and 19th century. The library's current building was finalised following an open competition among scores of the city's prominent architects and the cornerstone was laid in 1902. Almost all of the Library's collections and services are freely available to anyone interested.

National Diet Library - Over 14,304,139 items

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National Diet library is the one of the largest and greatest libraries of the world, located in Tokyo , Japan . Established in 1948 for the purpose of researching matters of public policy. There are over (14,304,139) books of all types.

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It has 27 branches in the country. Books on all topics like science, religion, politics, laws, maps, music etc, are available in this library.

Yale University - Approx 13,000,000 items

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Yale University Library is the library system of Yale University in New Haven , Connecticut , United States . It was founded in 1701. It is one of the largest academic library in the world, with approximately (13,000,000) volumes housed in 22 individual libraries. Several of its collections rank among the best anywhere and attract scholars from around the globe.

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Among its collections, the library showcases collections as varied as remnants from the era of dinosaurs, collection of rare historical musical instruments, and a collection on Victorian British Art.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia ï¿½

Saudi Arabia unveiled plans Tuesday (two weeks ago) to build the world's tallest tower (The tallest tower in the world will be built by 2020)ï¿½ a mixed-use structure that will rise two-thirds of a mile high ï¿½ in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal signed a $1.23 billion contract with Bin Laden Group for the proposed tower, which will take just over five years to complete. The building is the centerpiece of the planned Kingdom City development being built outside Jeddah by Prince Alwaleed's Kingdom Holding. "Building this tower in Jeddah sends a financial and economic message that should not be ignored," Prince Alwaleed told reporters. "It has a political depth to it to tell the world that we Saudis invest in our country despite what is happening around us from events, turmoil and revolutions even." Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, a Chicago architectural firm, has been selected to design the Kingdom Tower, which will feature a Four Seasons hotel, serviced apartments, Class A office space, luxury condominiums and the world's highest observatory.07 more images after the break...

When completed, the 1,000-meter-plus (3,280-foot-plus) tower would replace Gulf neighbor Dubai's 828-meter (2,716-foot) Burj Khalifa as the tallest tower in the world. The Burj Khalifa was built by Emaar Properties for a total cost of $1.5 billion. The exact final height is still a closely guarded secret, though it will be at least 173 meters (568 feet) taller than Burj Khalifa.