Russian State Library | Moscow

The Russian State Library (Russian: Российская государственная библиотека, RSL) is the largest library in Russia and one of the largest in the world. It is often referred to as the Lenin Library, as it was originally named after Vladimir Lenin following the Russian Revolution. The library plays a significant role in preserving and providing access to the country’s literary and cultural heritage.

Key Information about the Russian State Library:

1. Location:

Moscow, Russia: The Russian State Library is located in Moscow, specifically on Khramovka Street, near Pushkin Square. The library is conveniently accessible by public transportation, with the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station being the nearest metro stop.

2. History:

Founded in 1862: The Russian State Library was established in 1862 under the name The Russian Imperial Public Library. It was created to serve as a national library for the Russian Empire, and its founding was part of a broader effort to increase the availability of printed materials for the public.

Renaming to Lenin Library: After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the library was renamed the State Library of the USSR and later the V.I. Lenin State Library in honor of the Bolshevik leader. It became the country’s main library institution, holding a vast collection of books, documents, and historical records.

Post-Soviet Era: In the 1990s, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the library was renamed to its current title, the Russian State Library. Despite the change in name, its significance as a key national institution for research and information dissemination remains unchanged.

3. Size and Collections:

World-Class Collection: The Russian State Library is one of the largest libraries in the world, with a collection that spans over 47 million items. This includes books, manuscripts, journals, newspapers, maps, and audio-visual materials in many languages. The library holds an extensive collection of both Russian and foreign publications.

Russian Literature and Culture: The library is especially rich in Russian literature and historical documents, housing works by major Russian authors, poets, and philosophers such as Alexander Pushkin, Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Anton Chekhov. It is a crucial resource for researchers studying Russian cultural history, literature, and philosophy.

Rare Manuscripts and Archives: In addition to printed books, the library holds rare manuscripts and historical archives that are essential for research in Russian history and the development of literature. It serves as a repository for numerous rare and valuable works, including materials related to the Russian Revolution and the Soviet period.

Foreign Language Collection: The library has an extensive collection of books and materials in foreign languages, reflecting its international scope and commitment to providing access to global knowledge.

4. Architectural Features:

The Library Building: The library is housed in an imposing and modern structure located near Moscow's Kremlin. The main building of the library, with its massive columns and grand entrances, was constructed in the 1970s and designed in the Stalinist architectural style. The building's design incorporates classical elements, reflecting the library’s prestigious status.

Interior Design: The interior of the library is equally grand, with large reading rooms, long shelves filled with books, and various exhibition spaces. The library is designed to accommodate a large number of visitors and researchers, offering spaces for reading, studying, and exhibitions.

5. Services and Access:

Public Access: The Russian State Library is open to the public, and visitors can access a wide range of materials, from fiction and non-fiction books to periodicals and historical documents. It is a major resource for scholars, students, and the general public interested in exploring Russian and global literature and history.

Digital Library: In recent years, the library has invested heavily in digital technology, offering an extensive range of online resources through its digital library portal. This includes electronic versions of books, articles, and even manuscripts, allowing global access to its vast collection. It is a leader in digitizing historical materials and preserving them for future generations.

Research and Reference Services: The library is a primary research center in Russia and provides reference services to individuals studying topics related to Russian and global history, culture, and literature. The library’s professional staff helps researchers locate specific materials and offers specialized support for academic inquiries.

6. Cultural and Educational Role:

Exhibitions and Cultural Events: The Russian State Library hosts regular exhibitions, showcasing various aspects of Russian culture, history, and literature. These exhibitions often feature rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts from the library’s collections. The library also organizes cultural events, lectures, and workshops to engage the public and promote intellectual discourse.

Educational Programs: The library works closely with educational institutions, offering a range of programs for students and teachers. It provides access to a wealth of academic resources, including primary sources and specialized materials for research. It also supports scholarly conferences and educational initiatives that foster learning and cultural exchange.

7. The Library’s Role in Russian Society:

National Library of Russia: The Russian State Library is considered the national library of Russia, playing a pivotal role in the preservation of the country’s cultural and intellectual heritage. As a central institution for collecting, preserving, and disseminating knowledge, the library has national significance.

Cultural Hub: The library has long been a hub of intellectual activity and a center for the exchange of ideas. It is not only a place for research but also an important cultural institution in Moscow, contributing to the city's vibrant intellectual life.

8. Fun Facts:

One of the Largest Libraries: With over 47 million items in its collection, the Russian State Library is the largest library in Russia and one of the largest in the world by number of items held.

Preserving Soviet History: The library is home to many unique collections of Soviet-era books, documents, and publications, offering rare insights into life in the USSR.

International Cooperation: The library has longstanding cooperation with libraries and institutions worldwide, facilitating cultural and academic exchanges through shared resources and joint projects.

Digitization Projects: The library is a pioneer in the field of digitization and has made many of its collections available online, including rare and valuable manuscripts that were previously inaccessible to the public.

9. Conclusion:

The Russian State Library is a key institution in Moscow and Russia, offering a wealth of resources for anyone interested in Russian culture, history, literature, and science. As the largest library in the country and one of the largest in the world, it continues to play an essential role in preserving the country’s heritage while making knowledge accessible to future generations. Whether you’re a scholar, a visitor interested in Russian culture, or someone looking to explore rare books and historical archives, the Russian State Library offers a remarkable experience and is an important cultural treasure of Moscow.