Isn’t it amazing how a collection of books can tell the story of a nation? We’re standing before the State Public Historical Library of Russia. It is a treasure trove of historical knowledge. This Moscow library wasn’t always known by its current name.
Let’s delve into the history of this important institution. The State Public Historical Library of Russia opened its doors on December 20, 1938. It was initially named the State Public Historical Library of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. This was during the Soviet Union era. The foundation of this library lies in a private collection. Alexander Dmitrievich Chertkov owned this library. He was a Moscow public figure and collector. Chertkov opened his library for public use in 1863. He envisioned it as a general library for Russia.
Chertkov’s library contained diverse collections. These included antique coins and Russian coins. Ancient Russian and Egyptian artifacts were present. Painted Etruscan vases and natural science collections were also included. These collections later became the basis for the State Historical Museum.
In 1938 a significant change occurred. The library merged with other libraries. These included the Joint Library of the Institute of Red Professors. Several other smaller libraries joined as well. This merger created the State Public Historical Library. The library was allocated a separate building. It remains there to this day.
The State Public Historical Library had specific functions. It was to be the central historical library. It would serve as a state repository. This included both domestic and foreign historical literature. The library also became a research institute. Its focus was on historical bibliography and library science.
By 1970, the library’s collection had grown. It included around 3 million items. Among these were over 30000 rare historical books. The library featured a general reading room. There were also three research rooms. These rooms focused on specific topics. These topics included the history of the Soviet government, general history and eastern history.
After the Soviet Union collapsed, the library was renamed. It became the State Public Historical Library of Russia. Despite the name change, its role remained largely the same. It continued to serve as a repository and information center. The State Public Historical Library of Russia now holds over 4 million books. These books are in over 65 languages.
The State Public Historical Library of Russia stands as a testament to the power of knowledge. It preserves the past. It informs the present. It inspires the future. Take a moment to appreciate the wealth of history contained within these walls.