US library picks 88 'Books that Shaped America'

[June 23, 2012]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Library of Congress is celebrating "Books that Shaped America" with a list of 88 titles and an exhibit in Washington.

The library released its picks of the most influential books Friday. Librarian of Congress James Billington says the titles aren't meant as "best" books. Instead, he says the library wants to spark a conversation about books that influenced the nation.

The list begins with Benjamin Franklin's "Experiments and Observations on Electricity" from 1751. It includes Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," novels "The Scarlet Letter," "Moby-Dick," "Little Women" and "The Great Gatsby" and other famous titles like "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and "The Cat in the Hat."

The library wants the public to nominate other titles. An exhibit on the "Books that Shaped America" opens Monday.

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Online:

http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/

[Associated Press]

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