On May 25, 2018 the National Library of the Chuvash Republic opened the Centre of Kazakh Literature and Culture. The event was held within the framework of the international project of the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the city of Astana.
The opening ceremony was preceded by the signing of a Memorandum between the National Chuvash Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan libraries on mutual understanding and cooperation. « The opening of the Centre of Kazakh Literature and Culture is a significant event for the development of cultural relations between Chuvashia and Kazakhstan, and in addition to the remarkable books presented in the exposition, in the future there will be various events aimed at expanding cultural exchange », the Director of the National Library of the Chuvash Republic Svetlana Starikova noted.
The opening ceremony was attended by scientists, artists, national writers and poets, cultural figures, journalists and librarians. The opening of the centre was both solemn and warm. Welcoming the guests, Deputy Minister Elena Chernova expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the Kazakh side for the initiative shown.
The centre was presented with the works of the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, books about him, richly illustrated art, popular scientific, historical literature in three languages – Kazakh, Russian and English, and selected works of art in the Kazakh language. They reveal the achievements of Kazakhstan in the economy, social, cultural, political spheres, literature. Also a collection of 200 books is represented by publications of Kazakh poets and writers: collections of poems and works by the great poet Abai, Shakarim, Zhambyl, scientist Shokan Valikhanov, writers Mukhtar Auezov, Sabit Mukanov, contemporary authors Olzhas Suleimenov, Bakhytzhan Kanapyanov, Rosa Mukanova, Serik Turgynbekova and many others.
Both sides: Chuvashia and Kazakhstan are sure that the opening of the Centre will promote professional cooperation of libraries and friendly interaction between countries and peoples. «The book was and will unite the peoples and continents», Nurbala Tekesbayeva, Deputy Head of the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted.
The National Library of Chuvashia expresses its great gratitude to the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the city of Astana for its generous gift.