As we strive to make 2026 the largest-ever year of service, America250 wants to introduce you to individuals working to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Jacob Nadal was appointed Director for Preservation at the Library of Congress in July 2017, responsible for the work of the Directorate’s four Divisions — Collections Management, Conservation, Preservation Services, and Preservation Research and Testing — and for working with staff across the Library to provide “universal and enduring” access to the Libraries collections.
Before joining the Library of Congress, he served in leadership roles and developed preservation programs for the New York Public Library, UCLA, Indiana University, Brooklyn Historical Society, and the Research Collections and Preservation Consortium (ReCAP).
We asked Jacob to share why he chooses to give and serve his community.
Responses edited for brevity.
How many years have you committed to public or military service?
I’ve been with the Library of Congress for seven years, and before that, I worked with public libraries and universities in Washington, Indiana, New York, and California.
What inspired you to serve?
Role models. My parents are public school educators, I’d guess that half my relatives are doctors or nurses, and if you go back through the family tree a lot of the leaves and branches are clergy and professors and yet more teachers. The way I was raised, the job of life is to find a profession where our personal talents are put to work to make things better for the people around us. Growing up, I’d meet people who had been students or patients of my family and family friends. I suppose my meter for success got calibrated to hearing people say, “Thanks to your mom, your dad, your grandfather… I’m better now than I was then.”
What does service mean to you?
It means investing in seeing other people flourishing, making that the big reward I chase. That kind of service almost feels like hosting a party. When the Library of Congress puts on an exhibit—how about our new Treasures Gallery, while we’re on the subject—it’s like giving a present.
Why do you give back?
There’s an important difference between “giving of” and “giving away.” Think about your favorite teacher, think about someone who really made a difference for you, think about someone who gave their money to a cause that matters, and then ask if they lost anything in the exchange. I’ve received that kind of help, and I’m grateful. I’ve seen that kind of service and I admire it, and once I’d had the personal experience of offering that kind of service, I don’t know how you can do anything else.
What is your hope for the next generation when it comes to service and giving?
Pay attention to the things that are at their best when you share them. Knowledge, kindness and curiosity, courtesy, time together, a meal, fun; it makes a great list for how to have a great life! I think that’s the bottom line. A life and society built on giving and service is a pretty good life and a pretty good society. I’m glad “America Gives” is a tentpole program for America250 for exactly that reason. I’ve had the honor and the pleasure of working with the Semiquincentennial Commission for six years, and an abiding joy of that work is getting a look at so many different ways people across the states and territories are invested in their communities.
America's Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
This contest invites students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to travel for field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.