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The Inter-Settlement Central District Library of Serdobsky District has been shortlisted as a finalist in the All-Russian competition by the Russian Ministry of Culture to identify best practices for forming and promoting library collections – the "Golden Shelf."
The institution received a diploma in the category "Best Model Collection of a Public Library" among central inter-settlement/district libraries. The model library was recognized for creating an attractive modern space, attention to people with disabilities – establishing a barrier-free environment providing them full access to all library services – and the decorated children's reading room "Island of the Young Book Lover," which also received positive federal evaluation.
The library, serving over 5,000 people, is housed in a two-story building constructed in the 19th century, which is a regional cultural heritage site. After modernization under the national project "Culture," the library gained model status.
"Public interest in libraries always increases after modernization. Moreover, over the past 5 years, we have renewed almost one-third of the book collection, purchasing over 96,500 books. The result is an increase in visits to the updated model libraries by residents of Penza Oblast by almost 85%. In total, they serve over 60,000 users. This year, we will continue updating our cultural institutions – now under the national project 'Family'," noted Oleg Melnichenko, Governor of Penza Oblast.
The competition organizer is the Russian National Library, with co-organizers including the Russian State Library and the Russian State Children's Library.
The awards ceremony for winners will take place on April 3, 2026, in St. Petersburg as part of the XVI All-Russian Scientific-Practical Conference "Library Collections in the Digital Age: Traditional and Electronic Resources, Acquisition, Use."
Photo provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Penza Oblast.