(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Laman Ismayilova read more Sometimes reading books offers a bookish person as much pleasure
as anything else. Reading in the library is a particular
delight.
Azerbaijan National Library is a great place to enjoy reading in
the peaceful and cozy atmosphere.
Established in 1922, the library is a treasure trove of
knowledge for bookworms.
With over 5 million books, manuscripts, maps, Azerbaijan
National Library is considered one of the largest libraries in the
Caucasus region. Since 1939, the library has borne the name of the
eminent playwright Mirza Fatali Akhundov.
The library has an extensive collection of literature in
Azerbaijani, Russian, English and other languages. It has collected
and preserved national editions, works of Azerbaijani and foreign
authors about Azerbaijan published abroad. The National Leader
Heydar Aliyev visited the National Library four times in 1995-1997
and donated nearly 300 books from his personal library.
In 2004, Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library was granted the status of
National Library by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The building of the library is no less impressive. The library's
faсade is decorated with the the statues of eminent poets and
writers like Nizami Ganjavi, Mahsati Ganjavi, Uzeyir Hajibayli,
Shota Rustaveli, Alexander Pushkin and many others.
The scope of the library's activities is constantly expanding.
In 2005, on the basis of legal copies received from publishing
houses and printing companies, the library published the yearbook
"Books of Azerbaijan" for 1990, 1991, 2000, 2001.
Over the past years, the National Library has signed a
memorandum on bilateral mutual cooperation with about 80
libraries.
The library also became a member of the international
organization "The Conference of European national librarians
(CENL)".
In 2021, the Culture Ministry and Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library
launched a joint campaign "Let's go to Karabakh with a book" to
restore libraries in Karabakh region.
A large number of books were donated to the Karabakh book fund
by a number of international organizations working in the field of
culture, Turkic-speaking countries, famous foreign and local
authors, publishers, and print houses.
The Turkish Professional Union of the Authors of Scientific and
Literary Works (ILESAM) donated 10,000 books to the fund for
libraries to be restored in Karabakh.
Moreover, a campaign "Let's go to Karabakh with a book" operated
during the 8th Baku International Book Fair.
Around 500 books were donated by People's Writer Elchin
Afandiyev as well.
The Institute of Education also joined the book campaign,
presenting some 5,263 copies of 300 books.
The embassy of Kazakhstan handed over books on science, culture,
and history as well as anthologies of Kazakh prose and poetry.
Azerbaijan National Library is celebrating its 100th anniversary
this year.
Throughout its 100-year history, the library has played a key
role in preserving Azerbaijan's cultural heritage and promoting
knowledge and education.
To mark this milestone, the Azerbaijan National Library has
launched a virtual exhibition "Azerbaijan National Library
-100", as well as a traditional book exhibition "100 years at the
service of the people".
The exhibitions present photos, books and articles about the
library, opinions of eminent persons and other materials.
The National Library will continue to host a series of events
and initiatives to showcase its rich history and cultural
significance.
---