On this day in library history Thomas Jefferson named John J Beckley as the very first Librarian of Congress. Beckley, who was sent to Virginia from London by his family started his working life as an indentured servant before working his way up to not only finish university but also own property and serve twice as Mayor or Richmond, Virginia. All this before joining the Library of Congress in 1802 earning the princely sum of 2 dollars a day. But his time as the LOC was short lived, Beckley died only five years later. Interestingly, when was Beckley was appointed he had no formal librarian training and to this day no special qualifications are prescribed by law for the job of Librarian of Congress.
Fast forward to last Wednesday and a hawk was found trapped in the Library of Congress. (The Great Hall shown above) The female Cooper's hawk, nicknamed Jefferson, proved to be a difficult bird to catch, quickly became dehydrated and emaciated. The news of the hawk quickly made the social networking rounds and the librarians at the LOC were received comments and suggestions via the LOC blog. But after much determination (and a few sacrificial bait birds) good news from the LOC. Jefferson was captured earlier this morning! Jefferson will spend a some time in rehabilitation but is expedited to make a full recovery and should be out terrorizing the local starling population soon.
Sounds like the end of January is a busy time at the LOC
-AB
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