Library work of Katerinoslav in 1917–1920: status and problems

Abstract

The article deals with library space of Katerinoslav during the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921. The role of educational societies in the process of Ukrainization is highlighted, the influence of political events on the state of librarianship is determined. The state and activity of libraries of various departmental subordination, namely public libraries, libraries of educational institutions, societies and religious institutions are analyzed. Special attention is given to events that spread the Ukrainian idea, supported Ukrainian traditions and helped to spread the Ukrainian book. During this time, the contribution of Prosvita society was significant. The activity of this society was short, but deeply meaningful. The issues of printed Bulletin of Prosvita are a bibliographic rarity. The sources significantly help to present a complete picture of cultural and educational life of people’s libraries operating in the province and contributed to the reading of Ukrainian literature. The contribution of educational libraries of the province to the development of Ukrainian literary heritage and formation of Ukrainian-language book collections are revealed. The historical milestones in the development of book collections of Oles Honchar Dnipro National University scientific library (1918) are shown. The article provides information on the activities of Katerinoslav Theological Seminary and significant contribution of its leaders to the development of book industry of the region based on archival materials. Unresearched library reports allow to find out the reasons that impeded the process and reveal facts about support of library work in Katerinoslav. Considerable attention is paid to determining the place and role of Ukrainian publishing houses and bookstores (Slovo, Ukrainian Publishing House, Consumer, Ukraine, Kamenyar, O. Kashchenko, etc.). The newly created societies became a reliable link between the library and Katerinoslav readers. Replenishment of library collections with new prepared Ukrainian publications on history, literature studies and fiction was an urgent task in the process of gradual development of Ukrainian publishing in 1917–1920 years.