Fundamental Library of Lobachevsky University marks its 110th anniversary with 2 million books
In 2026, the Fundamental Library of Lobachevsky University celebrates its 110th anniversary, like the university itself. Olga Kotova, Director of the UNN Fundamental Library, shared this information with representatives of Nizhny Novgorod media. The meeting with journalists took place on March 18 in the «Bibliosphere» area of the UNN Fundamental Library.
The history of the UNN Fundamental Library began in 1916 with the emergence of the People's University in Nizhny Novgorod and developed together with the university. The University library was formed with the support of other libraries, societies, circles, various educational institutions, organisations in the city and the country, patrons, and concerned citizens of Nizhny Novgorod. At the start, it had several hundred books, and only one staff member.
"At present, the collection of traditional printed books alone amounts to over 1 million items, and in total, there are approximately 2 million copies, with information about them available in the electronic catalogue. A special pride of our library is around 36,000 rare books and magazines, a significant portion of which are considered book monuments," said Olga Kotova, Director of the UNN Fundamental Library.
Book monuments are handwritten books, printed editions, and other documents that hold exceptional spiritual or material value, possess special historical, scientific, or cultural significance, and are subject to a specific regime of accounting, storage, and use. This definition is established in Federal Law No. 78-FZ of December 29, 1994, "On Librarianship." They are part of the national library stock, are protected by the state, and are subject to special accounting and registration in the Register of Book Monuments. Currently, more than 570 book monuments stored in the Fundamental Library of Lobachevsky University are included in this register. These include Russian books from 1831 to 1926, Western European books from the 16th to the early 19th centuries, as well as handwritten and early printed books. The collection of rare and valuable publications and book monuments holds historical and scientific importance not only for Nizhny Novgorod but also for the country as a whole, representing a treasure of national and world culture.
"Today, our library serves as a centre for the dissemination of knowledge, preservation of historical and cultural heritage, intellectual and informational support for the educational process and scientific research, as well as cultural and spiritual communication," Olga Kotova noted. "Together with my colleagues, we strive to meet the demands of the present while keeping an eye on the future, constantly improving our work in all areas of activity."
Earlier, on February 18, the Fundamental Library of Lobachevsky University hosted the presentation of the gift edition "Painting with Words and Colours" dedicated to decorative design of handwritten books as the unique phenomenon of ancient Russian art.
