The Illinois State Library is the official library of state government and is housed in the Gwendolyn Brooks building named for the famed Illinois author. The library, with its collection of more than 5 million items, serves as a regional Federal documents depository, maintains an authoritative collection of historic and contemporary Illinois documents and houses more than 185,000 maps. Visitors are invited to visit the Illinois Authors Room with its extensive collection of first edition books by Illinois authors, including a book donated by President Barack Obama. On the frieze surrounding the top of this beautiful building, the names of 35 of Illinois’ most famous authors have been inscribed.