Abstract
The results of scientific research provide a rewarding experience on arrangement and operation of libraries, and reveal their role in the life of individual and society. This article involves a wide range of sources, information from which had not been taken at a full extent by predecessors. The Society for Promotion of Rural Free Libraries-Reading Rooms in the Tomsk Province existed from 1901 to 1919. P.I. Makushin was initiator of its creation and its permanent Chairman. It acted only on the territory of the Tomsk province. The dynamics of opening of libraries by years is presented in the article, and organizational activity of the Council of Society for Promotion is characterized, as well as disclosed the forms and methods of its work. The first library was arranged in late 1902. In 1919, there were already about 600. More than 70% of them were placed in the buildings of rural schools, the rest — in the volost boards, and rarely — in private houses, church buildings and tea charitable institutions on national sobriety. The libraries were mainly managed by teachers of local schools (more than 70%), as well as volost clerks, clergymen and individuals. The considerable part of the circle of reading of visitors focused on fiction and spiritual and moral literature. The books on history, geography and ethnography were also of demand.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call