Set amidst a grand marble edifice opposite the US Congress, this rather dry but informative documentary takes a look at the Library of Congress. It isn’t so much a library, though it holds over six million volumes, as a museum. Of indigenous culture to an extent, but far more a collection of important documents, sound recordings and films gathered from all over the globe. In many ways it is illustrative of the very international nature of the nation itself. It looks entirely European in structure and celebrates a collection ranging from un-transcribed blues music to original scores hand written by Beethoven. It offers a myriad of sources for us to interrogate, enjoy or even, if you happen to be an American, to revere. Even now, eighty years after it was made, it also raises questions about whether or not these works ought to repatriated to their countries of origin, and also helps us to appreciate that but for institutions like this, many items might not exist any more at all. It’s strung out a bit, but is worth a look if you are interested in the history of mankind and it’s record keeping.

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