The Russian National Library (RNL) is one of the largest in the world by the volume of its collections. Currently, it holds the most extensive collection of Russian-language literature in history. In addition to the main building, the library has several branches located in different parts of the city.

History of Creation and Opening

The idea of creating a national library in Russia, accessible to all, was discussed as early as the beginning of the 18th century. By 1766, a detailed project was developed to promote the formation of an educated intelligentsia and to raise the cultural level of civil servants. However, it was not until 1795 that Empress Catherine II approved the project proposed by Yegor Timofeyevich Sokolov, a supporter of classicism.

The project was quickly implemented. In May-June 1795, auctions were held, materials were purchased, and funds were allocated from the treasury. Construction began at the corner of Nevsky Prospect and Sadovaya Street in St. Petersburg, emphasizing the importance of this project. The library was to be open to all who sought knowledge.

Construction lasted almost 15 years, and it took another 20 years to arrange and create the book collections. In July 1796, changes were made to the project, planning an observatory for which Catherine II acquired William Herschel's telescope. The empress actively participated in the construction and the expansion of the collections, including the creation of a foreign fund with manuscripts from the Zaluski brothers.

In 1809, the first cataloging was conducted, revealing that out of 262,640 books, only 4 were in Russian. In 1810, Alexander I signed a law requiring the library to receive 2 copies of all publications released in Russia. The opening of the library, planned for 1812, was delayed due to the war with France and took place in January 1814 under the name "Imperial Public Library."

Further Development

In the first year, 329 people visited the library, and 1,341 books were issued. In the following years, the number of visitors and the volume of storage grew. In 1835, an additional building opened based on Karl Rossi's project. The library became a cultural center of St. Petersburg, with notable figures such as Ivan Krylov and Anton Delvig participating in its development.

From the 1850s, the collections were supplemented by donations, increasing by 25,000 books annually. By 1864, Russian-language literature significantly exceeded European literature, making up about 90% of all domestic publications.

Reading Room and Innovations

The increase in visitors necessitated the creation of a reading room, for which a separate building was constructed based on Vasily Sobolshchikov's project. Staff were on duty in the hall, a reference desk operated, and catalogs and guides were created. The library was equipped with gas lamps and a fire protection system. By the end of the 19th century, among the readers were not only nobles but also townspeople and peasants.

Before the Revolution

By 1901, the building received a new wing to accommodate books on various disciplines. In 1913, the number of Russian-language publications reached 1,000,000, and the total number of books exceeded 3,000,000. The library became one of the largest book repositories in the world.

Events of the Soviet Period

After the 1917 revolution, the library was renamed the Russian Public Library and was to promote cultural enlightenment. However, the demands of the authorities intensified, and the library had to support state policy. Acquisitions decreased, supplemented by confiscated private collections. In the 1920s-30s, the situation improved. The library underwent restructuring, with scientific and public reading rooms established, as well as a closed fund for banned literature. In 1937, director Mechislav Dobranitsky was arrested and executed, with a total of 164 people repressed.

Blockade and Post-War Years

During the blockade, the library continued to operate, although the staff was reduced. Part of the collections was evacuated, and the remaining valuables were moved to the basements. A stationary facility for the wounded was organized in the building. In 1942, water supply and heating were cut off, but they were restored by 1944. In 1945, the state allocated funds for the restoration of the collections, and in 1947, measures were taken for the financial support of the library.

History in the Second Half of the 20th Century

In the 1950s, the library faced ideological checks, and part of the staff was dismissed. Connections with foreign libraries expanded. By 1960, the question of expansion arose, and in 1985, a decision was made to construct a new building.

New Times

In 1992, the library became national. In 1998, a new building opened on Moskovsky Prospect. In 2003, a unified ticket for all readers was introduced, and the digitization of literature began. Since 2011, the library has been integrated into the Vivaldi electronic library network. Today, it houses rare incunabula and ancient manuscripts, including the Ostromirovo Gospel and the prayer book of Mary Stuart.