Chelyabinsk region turns book depositories into modern cultural centers for the whole family

Since 2019, 54 model libraries have opened in the region, seven of them have started their work this year. The changes cover each municipality, with each space having its own face (created on an individual project) and its own concept.

“The renovation process is approached comprehensively – after repair, the premises become convenient sites with an inclusive environment. We buy thousands of new books, add modern technologies: virtual reality, 3D modeling, interactive educational complexes. As a result, we get comfortable conditions for study, creativity and full leisure, says the Governor of the Chelyabinsk region Alexei Texler.

For example, in the village of Fershampenoaz, Nagaibak municipal district, the central library opened its doors in August after modernization. Thanks to the victory in the federal competition and the received subsidy, it was possible not only to overhaul the building, but also to create your own cultural and leisure space "BiblioPobeda". The concept is based on the preservation of the continuity of generations - the history of the Nagaibak and the village of Fershampenoise, the memory of military exploits and labor achievements of the region.

Governor of the Chelyabinsk region Alexey Teksler:

In Soviet times, libraries were the center of attraction because there was a shortage. And today, you need to win the audience. If a child comes to the library for an event, they are likely to see an interesting book and want to read it.”.

The library has free Wi-Fi and charging outlets, a catwalk and multimedia equipment for lectures, a children's and youth play area and a local history center with equipment for digitizing funds. More than 3,500 new books have been purchased.

“We see how the cultural institution was transformed, how the space was creatively organized, the interests of people of different ages and opportunities were taken into account,” said Irina Anfalova-Shishkina, Minister of Culture of the Chelyabinsk region.

The new library and residents of Agapov district are pleased. For the village of Novoburanivka, the appearance of such a space is a real event. The coworking area with a powerful computer allows you to access any scientific works and archives, the book fund has been replenished with more than 1,200 books, the furniture-transformer can instantly turn the reading room into a playground.

Interactive zones immediately attracted young people: for them there is a VR helmet, a smart floor and a tablet for 3D books, as well as a media studio where you can shoot cool videos for your social networks.

“We are delighted to see our library transformed. Now it is not just a quiet place with books, but a real center of life in our neighborhood. We tried to make it interesting for everyone here: children, adolescents, and adults, says Irina Davydova, director of the Agapov CBS.

In the Katav-Ivanovo district, two libraries were modernized at once. In the central nursery, the project “Bookopolis” was implemented – three spaces for different ages were organized. Children received open racks, soft poofs and a playground for active games, teenagers and students received an IT zone and shelves with educational literature. There is also an area of communication and creativity for everyone. The library is adapted for children with disabilities.

In the Zaprudovsk City Library, an open environment with mobile racks, toys and floor poofiks has been formed. Teenagers can find modern comics and a UAV control simulator, use interactive panels and laptops. For visitors with HVD there are special books with large font, a video magnifier, a hand magnifier with backlight and a tifloplayer.

The Central Children's Library of Chrysostom focused on the space theme, because the building is located on Gagarin Avenue. Windows-illuminators, pictures of planets - all this creates a unique atmosphere. It has its own digital laboratory, music equipment, interactive globe, home planetarium, VR helmets.

“We are opening a new page in the history of the Central Children’s Library of Chrysostom – a modern space for dreams, creativity and discoveries. Let it become a place of strength, inspiration and new discoveries, says Svetlana Proshchenkova, director of the Centralized Library System of the CGO.

Completely rebooted work in the city library of Chebarkul. Instead of small rooms, there was an open and comfortable space. The name "BRIZ" not only reflects the theme of development and knowledge, but also emphasizes the beauty of our region - lake and mountain. Coworking, board and interactive games, shadow and puppet theater, interactive sandbox, VR glasses and a cocoon chair are waiting for visitors.

“It is not only books that readers should take with them. The main thing is emotions and impressions. Such a renovated cozy cultural and educational place is necessary in a hospitable, with its own special atmosphere and history of Chebarkul, said Deputy Governor of the Chelyabinsk region Vadim Evdokimov.

Its point of attraction appeared in the Plastov district. The cultural and leisure club received its model library with comfortable conditions for people with disabilities: a ramp, a tifloflashplayer, a keyboard with enlarged buttons and an induction system. For children, there was a zone with a sandbox and a LEGO table, for young people - a stylish corner for meetings with friends, for older readers - soft sofas and warm lighting.

Director of the Chelyabinsk Regional Scientific Library Natalia Diska:

Such projects change the lives of small territories, give people access to knowledge and technology, and most importantly - to a modern, cozy and inspiring space.

It is planned to conduct classes on the development of speech in children, computer literacy courses for grandparents, thematic film screenings and art workshops. There is also an idea to organize a library extension for schoolchildren.

According to the governor, work in this direction will necessarily continue. Next year, modern spaces will open in Asha, Troitsk and the village of Roshchino of the Sosnovsk district. In addition to updating book collections and a cozy interior, there will be interesting technical equipment – for example, smart systems for fast book delivery and equipment for creating your own videos and podcasts. I would like to invite South Africans to our libraries. Discover new formats and spend time usefully with your family! says Alexey Texler.

Head of the department of territorial interaction of the Ministry of Culture of the Chelyabinsk region Olga Trubnikova:

The national project “Family” helps us to create modern accessible spaces focused on the interests of children and their parents. We see how attitudes towards reading and cultural leisure change when children have a vibrant functional and safe environment.”.