Today in History - January 22

On January 22, 1912, the nearly twenty thousand residents of the city of Key West, Florida, located on a small island some 128 miles south of the Florida peninsula, observed the completion of an overseas rail connection to the mainland.   Continue reading.

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Poem 084 - "Knowledge"

A poem by Philip Memmer from the Library's Poetry 180 Project.

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Book Talk: Spark! Jim West's Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone with author Ainissa Ramirez

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026, 2- 3 p.m. Eastern

Spend an afternoon with award-winning author and scientist Ainissa Ramirez as she discusses her new children’s book “Spark: Jim West's Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone."  Ainissa will share how Jim West patented the foil electret microphone, of which the technology is foundational to many devices we use daily, such as hearing aids and baby monitors. Ainissa will also discuss her research process and how she used Library of Congress materials to write her book. We are also thrilled to announce that inventor Jim West and illustrator Setor Fiadzigbey will also join the conversation! There will be time at the end of the program for attendees to ask questions.

Registration:  https://loc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_rRIVAnFdSCazga5jXXnSbA#/registration

NOTE TO PARTICIPANTS: Individuals requiring accommodations should submit a request at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov.

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Celebrate Black History Month and Valentine's Day during Live! At the Library in February

Visitors are invited to celebrate Valentine's season with Café Concerts during Live! At the Library throughout the month of February. Guests are encouraged to grab a drink and enjoy these intimate performances in the Great Hall, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable date night at the Library of Congress. Café Concerts include Danny Villanueva, QuinTango and Baltimore's Big Cricket String Band.

On Feb. 5 and 12, celebrate Valentine’s Day by making your own cards and bookmarks using imagery drawn from the Library’s rich collections – continuing a tradition of handcrafted valentines that dates back to the 17th century. This activity is fun for all ages, whether you’re honoring friendship, romance or simply your love of reading.

Embark on an interactive cartographic adventure. The Geography & Map Division invites visitors to explore terrain mapping and topography during Live! At the Library on Feb. 26 in the Great Hall from 5 to 8 p.m. The program will feature hands-on games and crafts exploring cartographic design and topographic relief.

Click here for more information.

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January 22, 2026

Issue 331

Copyright Royalty Judges Announce Supplemental Closing Arguments in Proceeding to Determine Rates and Terms for Ephemeral Recording and Digital Performance of Sound Recordings (Web VI)

The Copyright Royalty Judges announce supplemental closing arguments in the proceeding to determine regulations governing the rates and terms for the digital performance of sound recordings and for the making of ephemeral recordings necessary for the facilitation of such transmissions (Web VI). The original closing arguments were held prior to the appointment of interim Chief Judge Trevor Jefferson, and the change in the composition of the panel of Judges necessitates this supplemental process.  The supplemental closing arguments will be held on February 13, 2026, starting at 10:30 AM, in the Mumford Room on the 6^th floor of the Library of Congress Madison Building. To seek other details about the supplemental closing arguments, click here for CRB contact information.

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*CALENDAR*

January 30, 2026:  Petitions to Participate and accompanying $150 filing fee due for proceeding to determine rate-setting for Phonorecords V (PR V).  (90 FR 61424).

January 30, 2026:  Petitions to Participate and accompanying $150 filing fee due for proceeding to determine rate-setting of Public Broadcasting V (PB V).  (90 FR 61422).

January 30, 2026:  Petitions to Participate and accompanying $150 filing fee due for proceeding to determine rate-setting of Satellite Radio and “Preexisting” Subscription Services (SR/PSSR IV).  (90 FR 61423).

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