Now, let's dive into some history. The National Library was born on December 31, 1910, when the Verny Municipal Duma decided to open a library in Verny city (which later became Alma-Ata province). It started off modestly but has grown into a mighty institution. In 1931, it was renamed the State Public Library of Kazakhstan SSR, and in 1937, it was named after the famous Russian poet A.S. Pushkin.
But the name game didn't stop there! In 1991, it became the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan (that's quite a mouthful, huh?). And just last year, in 2020, it was given the prestigious status of "National" by the President. Talk about an upgrade!
Now, let's talk numbers. The library boasts a whopping collection of over 7 million books, written in 100 different languages. That's enough reading material to keep you busy for several lifetimes! And don't even get me started on the rare books and manuscripts collection. You'll find around 25 thousand volumes dating all the way back to the 11th century. That's some seriously ancient knowledge!
But it's not just about books here. The library has become a vibrant cultural hub, hosting various events and exhibitions. They even opened the Abai Literary Center, dedicated to the famous poet Abai. You can hear beautiful readings of his poems and immerse yourself in the world of literature.
And for all those nerdy philosopher enthusiasts out there, the library also houses the Al Farabi Scientific Center, showcasing the works of the great philosopher Al Farabi. Prepare to have your mind expanded!
I must say, the National Library is really serious about cultural exchange. They have book exchanges with over 200 libraries in the CIS and partnerships with 80 cultural organizations from 40 countries. They even have connections with prestigious institutions like the Library of Congress and Harvard University. That's some serious networking!
So, my curious companion, take a stroll through the aisles, get lost in the world of knowledge, and let the National Library of Kazakhstan ignite the fire of curiosity within you!
