Libraries of Russia: 198th Imperial Public Library anniversary celebrations

In January 1814 the Imperial Public Library (today the National Library of Russia, NLR) was solemnly opened for its patrons in St. Petersburg. Following a tradition the NLR is holding a series of events to celebrate the anniversary.

The theoretical and practical conference “N. N. Figner’s archive. New acquisition of the National Library of Russia” is running on January 13th 2012 in the conference hall of the library’s main building. The conference turns the spotlight on a Russian musician, brilliant vocalist with excellent acting skills – Nikolai Figner. The NLR’s Manuscript Division will stage a unique exhibit “Talent defeats time: materials from N. N. Figner’s archive” featuring musician’s letters, diaries, and photographs.

Another exhibition called “Literature about Russia published abroad. New arrivals” will be launched at Korf Hall.

Traditionally on this day the NLR’s new building will bring together library’s friends and host celebrations in honor of library’s donators, award and diploma ceremonies.

As a part of celebrations the NLR’s new building will also roll out a number of exhibits:

- “Donated for the common good”: donations to the National Library of Russia – 2011 – an annual exhibition which will unveil unique editions and documents presented to the NLR last year. These are editions originating from collections of world famous museums, donations of consulates, foreign libraries, various institutions, different authors and publishers.

- “International book exchange of the NLR in 2011”.

- “Digest. Main events of the NLR, 2011”: exhibition of works by the NLR’s photographer Urzula Helena Kuzma.

The National Library of Russia is famous all over the world and occupies an honorary place among national libraries due to its history, unique collections of manuscripts and printed documents in all languages of the world. Its richest collections and intellectual potential are available to a wide readership. Like other world’s major libraries the National Library of Russia is doing its best to reveal, develop and preserve its unique resources for the benefit of the society.