State Library

During Abraham Lincoln's time, the Secretary of State also served as state librarian, so the library was located next to his office. On December 16, 1842, Lincoln became the first person to borrow a book, signing under his law partner's name.

Lincoln, who often used the library for research, also met John G. Nicolay here, the young lawyer who would become his secretary in the White House. He and Lincoln played many games of chess in the library, according to Lincoln's son Robert.

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