Multi-million fund, innovative projects: what is unique about the National Library of Belarus

How many documents and books are stored in the National Library of Belarus, how much electronic information resources occupy - this was told to journalists on September 14 by the deputy general director of the institution - director for information resources and user services Viktor Pshibytko, the correspondent of the Minsk-Novosti agency reports.

- It is symbolic that the Day of Libraries is associated with the day of foundation of the National Library. This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of our new building. Today, the total fund of the library is more than 10.5 million copies of documents in more than 80 languages. More than 100 thousand units has a fund of manuscripts, rare and old-printed publications, said V. Pshibytko. The number of readers has reached about 270 thousand, while more than 60% of them prefer to use the services remotely. Annually visitors are given about 2 million copies of documents. Most of our users (over 80%) are people under the age of 35. Of these, 60% are students and students. The youngest reader is 12 and the oldest is 92.

The library pays special attention to the formation of its own electronic information resources. Their volume today is more than 760 thousand documents. Work is underway to create an automated system. This is a unique platform that will become a convenient tool for librarians. It will help them recruit funds and serve readers.

- There are 18 reading rooms available for visitors, including a children's room and the Chinese Book Center. On September 11, a solemn opening ceremony of the free Chinese language school “Huaqiao” took place within the framework of the signed agreement between the library and the Association of the Organization of Chinese Compatriots, Pshibytko continued. The Diamond of Knowledge is not only the largest information center, but also a socio-cultural, educational and scientific center of the country. Every year, the institution hosts more than 600 diverse events, including literary meetings, art and book exhibitions, DJ sets and more.

The institution effectively carries out research activities in the field of library, bibliographic and book studies. A significant part is publishing.

- The National Library receives many awards. For example, we won the 65th National Art of the Book Competition. Our edition “This day we brought as close as we could” (compiler – Yuri Tverdokhlebova, preface – V. Gigin) was awarded a diploma of the 1st degree in the nomination “Belarus remembers”, – said the Deputy General Director of the library.

- The National Library confidently continues to fulfill its main mission - to preserve the rich documentary heritage of the Belarusian people and provide free access to knowledge for every citizen. We are always open to long-term partnership, implementation of joint projects and implementation of innovative solutions, concluded V. Pshibytko.