World libraries: Churchill Library to open in Washington D.C.

The U.S. first library devoted to Winston Churchill is expected to open its doors in its capital city Washington D.C.

The new National Churchill Library and Center will open in stages between 2013 and 2015 at George Washington University (GWU). The Chicago-based Churchill Centre has pledged $8 million for the GWU faculty, which will preserve the heritage of the iconic Briton.

Rare books and research materials will be transferred to the university’s library.

“We’re going to be able to study the 20th century through the study of one of the towering figures of the 20th century, Winston Churchill,” the library’s  founders say.

Much of Churchill’s memorabilia has never been shown in the United States, so the new centre could borrow materials from the British institutions.

The library’s founders say it is fitting to have a library devoted to Churchill in the U.S. capital where he addressed Congress and had close relationships with numerous presidents.