On April 24, 1800, President John Adams approved legislation for $5,000 to purchase “such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress,” thus establishing the Library of Congress. When the British torched the Capitol during the War of 1812, all books were lost. Former president Thomas Jefferson was known for his fine personal library, so he sold his collection to Congress to get the library started again. Professional librarian George Watterston was hired to be in charge.
