Bringing literature back to life at the Georgian National Parliamentary Library

People throughout the country are being given a unique opportunity to learn more about Georgian literature while exploring newly restored library buildings in Georgia’s capital and villages across the country.

Avid cooperation between the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia and several local companies to raise awareness of the importance of reading is beginning to be supported by the community, as future development plans follow the same model adopted by the New York Public Library.

To encourage reading in Georgia, the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia has grown its presence in the community. Initially the Library had three branches but in recent years the Library expanded, with seven branches now operating in capital Tbilisi.

Furthermore, satellite libraries in more than 200 villages have been restored and Georgian book corners have opened in 26 countries.

As well as establishing more libraries in Georgia, new methods have been established to interest readers of all ages and give them a chance to increase the amount of reading they do to make it an integral part of their life.

One of these techniques involved establishing other events at the main building of the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, where such events allowed society to attend lectures given by literature professors, artists and even politicians.

The rare collection reading hall is located in the first building of the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia. Photo from the Library's website.  

Meanwhile obtaining funds to cover the cost of restoration of the library buildings around Tbilisi remained a major obstacle, said director of the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia George Kekelidze, who has been actively involved in developing reading in Georgia for the past four years.

We have already received one million GEL funding for the renewal of seven library buildings that belong to us. It is our main goal to create an atmosphere where the younger generation will visit enthusiastically and spend their time picking out books,” he said.

The second building of the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia is still under reconstruction, while the first building in central Tbilisi will reopen in the near future.

Kekelidze believed introducing new auditoriums with different themes will also motivate people to visit the library more often. In this regard, with the help of TBC Bank, an emigration auditorium opened in the National Parliamentary Library where literature and archives from France and the United States resided.

Kekelidze thanked Georgian telecommunications provider Geocell, Liberty Bank, TBC Bank, Kamara construction firm and cognac-brandy company Saradjishvili for their support towards the Library development projects.

Looking ahead a new online library Siera will be established, allowing readers to order electronic versions of their favourite books.