Kazakhstan celebrates National Book Day and Librarian Day. Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva addressed the people, emphasizing the important role of reading in the development of society, reports Todayinfo.kz.
Kazakhstan celebrates National Book Day and Librarian Day. Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva addressed the people, emphasizing the important role of reading in the development of society, reports Todayinfo.kz.
National Book Day, as well as Librarian Day, were established in Kazakhstan on the initiative of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The President constantly speaks about the special role of books in the development of society. The Head of State noted: 'A reading generation will be progressive. A quality nation is formed through such values.' Today, there are about 12 thousand libraries in the country. Almost 20 thousand specialists work in this field. As the Head of State recently noted, the book still remains an important source of knowledge and personal development. In this regard, special attention is now being paid to the modernization of librarianship. Libraries are switching to automated systems, introducing artificial intelligence technologies, and developing electronic resources. As a result, citizens' opportunities for remote access to the book fund have expanded. A steady growth is also observed on state online platforms. The number of users of electronic library resources increased by 30 percent, reaching 718 thousand people. In total, over the past five years, the number of online readers has exceeded 4 million, and the number of books viewed in electronic format has exceeded 9 million, said the minister.
He also noted the development of children's literature.
Most importantly, the country is clearly seeing a steady increase in interest in reading. The demand for children's literature has increased especially significantly. In just the last year, demand for children's books increased by 75 percent, and interest in classical Kazakh literature and world classics translated into Kazakh increased by 50 percent. This indicates an expansion of the readership in Kazakhstan, a deepening of their taste, and an increase in consciousness.
The minister said that the 'Reading Nation' concept is being systematically implemented.
Within the framework of the President's 'Reading Nation' concept, large-scale work is underway in the country to build and modernize libraries. New Presidential Libraries will be built in Astana, Almaty and Kyzylorda. 36 city and rural libraries have already been modernized. And in 2026, it is planned to update another 30 libraries. Today, National Book Day is celebrated with new content and on a large scale. The Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan organized a ten-day event across the country dedicated to National Book Day. It is attended by educational and cultural organizations, libraries, colleges, higher educational institutions and public associations. About 10 thousand materials have been published on various information platforms dedicated to books, reading, the role of libraries and the promotion of reading culture. In total, about 100 thousand events are being held across the country aimed at developing reading culture and strengthening the intellectual potential of society. Among them are book festivals, fairs, meetings with authors, various promotions, literary evenings, educational events for children and youth. The system of state support for writers and publishing is also constantly developing. At the IX International Astana Eurasian Book Fair held in the capital, the results of the 'National Book' competition were summed up today. Winners in nine categories have been determined, and the 'Book of the Year' will also be announced. Also established are the Presidential Special Literary Prize for young writers, the honorary title 'People's Writer of Kazakhstan' and the national literary prize 'Aiboz'. Within the framework of strategic partnership with the Writers' Union of Kazakhstan, a number of major projects are being implemented. Among them are the projects 'Literary and Educational Panorama of New Kazakhstan' and 'Literary School of Writers' Mastery'. This year, it is planned to implement a new project 'Literature of the Turkic World', aimed at strengthening cultural and literary ties and developing creative cooperation between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. In addition, the ministry organized the republican competition 'Epic of Courage and Labor', aimed at promoting the dedication of ordinary workers through works of art. Over the past ten years, with state support, more than 2 thousand books have been published, with a total circulation of over 6 million copies.
Aida Balaeva congratulated Kazakhstanis on the significant date.
Dear friends! In modern society, it is especially important to be able to appreciate the book as a noble source of knowledge, wisdom, culture and spirituality. Supporting reading is not only an investment in education, but also a contribution to the formation of a thinking, responsible, intellectual nation. I sincerely congratulate all librarians, writers, publishers, industry specialists and readers on National Book Day and Librarian Day!
