Libraries of Russia: “M. A. KORF. 210th birthday anniversary” exhibition kicks off at NLR

On May 27 the National Library of Russia (NLR) will launch events, marking the All-Russian Libraries’ Day and 215th foundation anniversary of the Imperial Public Library.

On this day at 11 a. m. the annual scientific conference “Book rarities of the National library of Russia” will take place in the main building of the NLR (18, Sadovaya St.).

The exhibition “M. A. KORF. 210th birthday anniversary” will open at 1 p. m. in the main building of the NLR. Baron Modest A. Korf, Russian historian and statesman, had been holding a post of the Imperial Public Library director for 12 years and made a great contribution to its prosperity. The exposition will display unique exhibits from the NLR Manuscript Department, which shed light on the work of Modest Korf. These are archival documents, autographs, and personal correspondence.

Within the framework of celebrations at 3 p. m. the NLR new building (165, Moskovsky pr.) will hold a ceremony of awards’ presentation and mount celebrations in honor of library’s veterans. The event will come to a close with a concert.

In 1795 the Empress Catherine II approved the project of the building of the Imperial Public Library (National Library of Russia), developed by the architect Yegor Sokolov. By the beginning of 21st c. the NLR became not just a book repository, but also a public information center for holding digitized texts, necessary for research and gaining knowledge.

The National Library of Russia is an active member of the International professional community, participates in implementation of programs of the United Nations organization, UNESCO, IFLA, European Council, and other international organizations, collaborates with organizations of cultural, scientific and educational sector. Its holdings comprise over 34 million editions and other information resources, available to the reading public.