Learn about the Office of Presidential Libraries
The Office of Presidential Libraries administers a nationwide network of Presidential libraries beginning with the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover. Currently, this includes:
- 12 Presidential Libraries
- Presidential Materials Staff
- Central Office Staff
These are not traditional libraries, but rather repositories for preserving and making accessible the papers, records, and other historical materials of U.S. Presidents. Presidential Libraries and Museums are great treasures of our nation's history. They are important sources for historians and other researchers studying our presidents and our history. In addition to archiving and preserving presidential papers and objects, presidential libraries and museums bring history to millions of visitors from around the world. Learn More....
When a President leaves office, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) establishes a Presidential project until a new Presidential library is built and transferred to the Government.
The Office of Presidential Libraries:
- Establishes and coordinates policies with regard to Presidential Libraries,
including programs for acquisition, preservation, and use of historical materials,
and the development of new Presidential libraries.
- Provides oversight of budgetary and management controls within the libraries
and regularly convenes staff in the libraries to establish and review strategies
for implementing the mission and goals of Presidential libraries.
- In coordination with NARA's General Counsel and other NARA officials, maintains liaison with the incumbent administration and with officials of former administrations with regard to organization, storage and reference service on Presidential materials.
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