Jefferson reorganized his private suite of rooms after he sold his vast personal collection of books, maps and pamphlets to Congress in 1815. Jefferson referred to this room as the Library thereafter, and here he likely received incoming mail, stored books and scientific apparatus, and designed the University of Virginia — which he called “the hobby of my old age” — at his French architect’s table. Among the special surviving Jefferson possessions are an astronomical tall case clock, chairs from New York and Paris, and an octagonal table.
Virtual tours of this room
How to see this room: Included in all tours of Monticello.
Furnishings of Note
This lovely Elliptical Arch was designed by Jefferson and built by two highly skilled joiners, James Dinsmore, a hired worker, and John Hemmings, who was enslaved at Monticello.
This room held many of Jefferson's books. His largest collection, which consisted of more than 6,000 books, was sold to Congress in 1815.
Two images of the University of Virginia, which Jefferson considered one of his three greatest achievements, now hang in the Library.
Jefferson acquired this table, made by Denis Louis Ancellet, in Paris circa 1785. The top can be raised to the height of a standing desk, and the writing or drafting surface can be angled to suit the user.
Although known as a micrometer, this devices is better described as a telescope for measuring the distances and sizes of objects.
Jefferson used this table to store unanswered correspondence in eight drawers labeled “A B C,” etc. A special lock secured all of the drawers at the same time.
