Deputies of the Krasnoyarsk City Council discussed the development of the library network at an offsite meeting in the Dostoevsky Library.
After modernization, Library No. 1 named after F.M. Dostoevsky became one of the most noticeable cultural spaces in the Oktyabrsky district. In the library itself, deputies were shown an electronic book lending system, interactive panels, modern reading areas, an updated book collection and space for children. Here you can not only take a book home, but also independently arrange delivery through electronic stations, work on the computer, attend master classes and educational programs.
According to the head of the main department of culture of the Krasnoyarsk administration, Lyubov Sakharova, libraries remain one of the most popular cultural institutions in the city: “A library is no longer just a place where books are stored. This is a real center of attraction, where something is constantly happening: people communicate, study, spend their free time.”
Today, the library network of Krasnoyarsk includes 44 municipal libraries. In 2025, they were visited by about 255 thousand registered readers, and the total number of visits reached 2.5 million. In recent years, libraries have been being updated – 27 institutions have already been modernized. In 2026, the Samuil Marshak Library, the Lukomorye Library and the Korney Chukovsky Central Children's Library in Berezovka will receive new life. After the municipal reform, the library system of Krasnoyarsk included 11 new institutions, united into a separate centralized library system. About 537.5 million rubles from the federal, regional and city budgets are allocated for the development of the library network in 2026. Another 12.5 million rubles will be used to replenish book funds.
The head of the library, Natalya Arshinova, said that after the reconstruction there were more visitors: “We have always been a very warm library. And after the update they became bright, open and noticeable. People come with their children, bring their parents and friends, and stay with us for a long time. For us, the most important thing has always been the reader.”
Visitors themselves speak about the library’s demand. Regular reader Evgenia Pastukhova admits that she comes here not only for books: “It’s very comfortable and cozy here. I like the space, the large selection of literature and the staff who are always ready to help. Sometimes I come for books, sometimes just to work. For me, this is much more than just a library.”
During the meeting, deputies discussed not only the development of the library network, but also the improvement of the territory next to the Dostoevsky library. Attention was paid to the entrance group and the stairs leading to the building. Now they need updating, and access for visitors with limited mobility remains not the most convenient.
The city is already considering improvement options. The project involves preserving the trees growing nearby, repairing the stairs, installing a convenient ramp and creating a small area for relaxing and reading in the fresh air. However, to implement the project, it is necessary to reach an agreement with the residents of the house, since part of the territory belongs to common property.
Another promising idea could be the opening of a library space in one of the city’s shopping centers. The business is ready to provide premises, make repairs and equip the site with the necessary equipment. The city will be required to organize the work of the library and provide it with specialists.
Oksana Larionova, Chairman of the Social Policy Commission of the Krasnoyarsk City Council of Deputies, considers this project an interesting example of interaction between business and the municipality.
“This is a very unusual example of social responsibility of business. Young people today often spend time in shopping centers. If there is a space there where you can read, work, take part in events or just spend quality time, this will be an important addition to the city’s cultural environment,” she noted.
The discussion showed that Krasnoyarsk libraries have long ceased to be just book depositories. Today they are becoming cultural centers of districts, places for meetings, communication and the implementation of public initiatives.
In the coming years, the city will continue to modernize libraries, update book collections and develop new formats of work. This means that Krasnoyarsk residents will have more and more modern spaces near their homes where they can read, study, communicate and spend their free time.
