The Library is 50

In 2016 the Russian State Library for Young Adults celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The years have been colourful, dynamic and eventful. As the library developed, so did the network of young adult libraries in the country. And our library played the role of the main science and methodology centre. The staff have always been at the forefront of change, following and creating new tendencies, introducing modern and interesting practices, and sharing experience with colleagues from all regions of Russia. That’s why RSLYA has always been a magnet for young people and a hub for innovative projects.

Today RSLYA is:

• one of nine federal libraries in Russia, the biggest one for young adults. Its doors are open for everybody, though. On a regular day, the library is visited by 800 people. New media are added to the library’s collection all the time — you can always find the latest hits here. Today, there are about 900 000 titles in the collection: books, magazines, audiobooks, films, vinyl records, sheet music etc.;
• a modern multimedia space with the newest technology, friendly design, and numerous digital resources. You don’t need a library card to come here and read books, listen to music or play musical instruments, watch films, play board games, visit lectures and workshops. Here you can work, study, hold press conferences and public discussions, meet friends and have dates. If you’d like to take books home, however, and get access to the whole spectrum of services and resources, you’ll need to get a library card;
• qualified staff who support young people’s information needs, provide career guidance and psychological counseling, collaborate with readers and volunteers to organize events. The library has nearly twenty clubs and interest groups;
• a large cultural institution that collaborates with governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as businesses and supports social, cultural, and educational projects. Being a member of IFLA, RSLYA takes part in international programmes and works on its own international projects in order to spread the word about Russian libraries in the world.

Spend this year with us in our favourite library!