THE ROLE OF LIBRARIES CARE SOCIETY FOR ELEMENTARY EDUCATION IN CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF BARNAUL (1880s – EARLY XX CENTURY)

Abstract

The study of history of cultural and educational society’s activity, as well as the way they influence the socio-cultural space of provincial towns, contributes to holistic perception of cultural development of Siberia as well as Russia in general. Some issues relating to creation and development of Barnaul Society of Care for Elementary Education and its educational activity through libraries are considered in the article. The society was founded due to the selfless work of such an outstanding public person as V. K. Shtilke. Shtilke’s initiative as well as the initiative of other members of the society contributed to the opening of schools for children and weekend schools for adults, strengthening of public education through library organization, public readings, lectures, accessible performances. The main directions, methods, forms and results of educational work identified in the course of the study have led to the conclusion about the leading role of the Society in extracurricular education in Barnaul in 1880s – the beginning of 20th century. The conclusion about the significant influence of libraries of the Society on the dissemination of book culture among the broad masses of the population is justified.