Hoyer Statement on the Retirement of Dr. James H. Billington, 13th Librarian of Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after Dr. James H. Billington announced that he would be retiring as the 13th Librarian of Congress:

“Under the leadership and vision of Dr. James Billington, the Library of Congress has made extraordinary and enduring contributions to education, culture, and the arts in our country.

“The extraordinary growth of information in the digital age has tested our capacity to process and organize it into knowledge that educates and inspires us to seek new discoveries.  Few have understood this better than Dr. Billington, and throughout the nearly three decades he has served as the Librarian of Congress he has infused the Library with the conviction that knowledge in all its manifestations – print, digital, sound, and the visual media – ought to be open to all and contribute to the betterment of society and the exercise of our democracy.  In doing so,  Dr. Billington has ensured the Library of Congress remains as relevant and important in the twenty-first century as it was when the Library acquired Thomas Jefferson’s famed collection of books two hundred years ago. 

“I join in thanking Dr. Billington for his service to enhance our democracy, preserve the great literary and artistic traditions of this nation, and make them accessible to the American people – as well as for providing support to Congress in the form of research to help policymakers stay informed on every issue we address.  I wish him and his family well as he prepares to retire.”