Keepers of the meanings of the Russian language: the First International Forum of School Librarians opened at the National Centre RUSSIA
More than 1,000 participants from Russia and eight foreign countries – public officials, education professionals, experts in librarianship and reading culture, as well as well-known writers and publicists – gathered at the National Centre RUSSIA on 12 December for the opening of the First International Forum of School Librarians. The event was organised by the Russian society Znanie together with the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.
During the ceremonial opening of the forum, the honoured guests noted the symbolic significance of holding the event on Constitution Day of the Russian Federation. Another important symbol of the forum, they said, was the famous explanatory dictionary compiled by Vladimir Dahl – the greatest collector of Russian words – whose 225th anniversary will be marked next year. The image of the dictionary highlighted the special mission of school librarians as keepers of the meanings of the Russian language.
The Minister of Education of the Russian Federation, Sergei Kravtsov, noted that much depends on school librarians when it comes to how closely children engage with the cultural code preserved in books and libraries.
"The first forum of school librarians is an important milestone for us. Today, more than 1,000 participants have gathered here, including representatives from eight foreign countries. Dear friends, much depends on you when it comes to whether schoolchildren develop an interest in the Russian cultural code and in the great works of literature that you carefully preserve in your libraries. I would like to sincerely thank you: you inspire students to return again and again for new books. Today’s event provides an opportunity to exchange experience and discuss the issues that concern you. It is important for us to receive feedback in order to continue developing school libraries," Sergei Kravtsov said.
The Aide to the President of the Russian Federation and Chair of the Presidential Council for the Implementation of State Policy in Support of the Russian Language and the Languages of the Peoples of the Russian Federation, Yelena Yampolskaya, recalled that the institution of school libraries is unique, and that preserving this legacy without allowing it to lose its value is an important task for both the state and librarians.
"First of all, we must thank our President, who, despite his tremendous workload, never overlooks issues related to children’s reading, the promotion of books and quality literature, both at the state level and across a wide range of public initiatives. On the initiative of Vladimir Vladimirovich, the programme "Children’s Book Card" will be launched, making it easier for parents to purchase books for preschool children. The revival of reading-aloud programmes is also a presidential initiative. I hope that we will soon turn our attention to preschool libraries as well. Textbooks and curricula alone are not what matters; what matters is raising a grateful and responsive reader. That is why, from a very early age, we must teach children to listen to and love the literary word. For most children, the school library is the first in their lives, and for many it remains the only one for a long time. And if a professional works within its walls – someone who loves their work, loves children, a librarian who knows a child from the first year of school, sees how they grow and change, and understands what their soul seeks – then, through a good book and the right way of presenting it, through a heartfelt conversation, they help a child become a good person," Yelena Yampolskaya said.
The forum’s move to the international level highlights the importance of reading in shaping the individual, said the Director General of the Russian society Znanie, Maxim Dreval.
"The school library is the foundation of a young person’s upbringing, and it is up to you which books will accompany them through life and how they relate to their native language. I have studied the projects, approaches and formats that you are already implementing in your schools today and came to the conclusion that you are rightfully here in the status of the country’s leading school librarians. I also understand that it is precisely thanks to this energy, the constant search for new ideas, the exchange of experience and the identification of best practices – and, most importantly, once we all return to our regions, thanks to sharing this experience, this energy and personal example with colleagues across our vast country – that we will be able to turn the school library into a fully fledged educational and enlightenment space," Maxim Dreval addressed the forum participants.
The First International Forum of School Librarians is the largest professional platform for sharing experience, discussing the development of school libraries and promoting reading among children and teenagers. The programme includes lectures, open dialogues and meetings with prominent cultural figures. The forum opened with the panel discussion "Space of Knowledge: Support and Development of School Libraries", while the culmination of the event will be the awards ceremony for the winners and prize-winners of the All-Russian contest "Russia’s Most Reading School" and the All-Russian professional skills contest "Best School Teacher-Librarian of Russia".
