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Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppression of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day.
-- Thomas Jefferson
Washington, D.C., circa 1950. "Thomas Jefferson Reading Room, Adams Building, Library of Congress." 8x10 negative by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.
On the south wall, the panel over the clock contains a quotation about the Living:
THE EARTH BELONGS ALWAYS TO THE LIVING GENERATION. THEY MAY MANAGE IT THEN AND WHAT PROCEEDS FROM IT AS THEY PLEASE DURING THEIR USUFRUCT. THEY ARE MASTERS TOO OF THEIR OWN PERSONS AND CONSEQUENTLY MAY GOVERN THEM AS THEY PLEASE.
Jefferson to James Madison, September 6, 1789
The former Jefferson reading room in the Adams Building's fifth floor has become the Science and Business Reading Room. The floor space is now shared between rows of stacks and restored original tables and chairs. The murals high on the walls depicting Jefferson's life and words could use a restoration.
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