Thomas Jefferson, as president, plays an important…
January 1802 CE
On January 26, 1802, he signs a bill that allows the president to appoint an overseer of the Library of Congress (the Librarian of Congress) and for the establishment of a Joint Committee on the Library to regulate and oversee the Library.
The new law also extends to the president and vice president the ability to borrow books.
John J. Beckley, who becomes the first Librarian of Congress, is paid two dollars per day and is required to also serve as the Clerk of the House of Representatives.