Public Library<br>(Kharkov State Library named after V. G. Korolenko)5 photos
Public Library
(Kharkov State Library V. G. Korolenko)
One of the important buildings created by A. N. Beketov
that contributed to the cause of public education
is the Public Library (1899–1901). Its opening occurred as early as 1886, at the initiative of the Society for the Popularization of Literacy.
For over twelve years, the institution operated in rented premises. Soon, its collection grew so significantly that the need arose to build a dedicated building for it. The library’s management turned to A. N. Beketov with the request to design such a structure. It is worth noting that the architect had already gained expertise in designing this type of building during his work on a project submitted for the title of Academician in 1894—the topic of that project was “A library capable of accommodating 1.5 million volumes, including a gallery featuring prominent figures and a numismatic collection.” He successfully applied these insights to the design of the Kharkov library.
This small building, located on Petrovsky Lane (now Korolenko Lane), was constructed using advanced European technologies and standards. Contemporary observers particularly praised its efficient functional layout and the system for storing books, which allowed them to be conveniently delivered to the reading rooms via a lifting mechanism. As stated in the 1911 issue of the magazine “Bibliotekar”, among the best libraries of its kind in Russia, this Kharkov building “ranked almost first.”
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(Kharkov State Library V. G. Korolenko)
One of the important buildings created by A. N. Beketov
that contributed to the cause of public education
is the Public Library (1899–1901). Its opening occurred as early as 1886, at the initiative of the Society for the Popularization of Literacy.
For over twelve years, the institution operated in rented premises. Soon, its collection grew so significantly that the need arose to build a dedicated building for it. The library’s management turned to A. N. Beketov with the request to design such a structure. It is worth noting that the architect had already gained expertise in designing this type of building during his work on a project submitted for the title of Academician in 1894—the topic of that project was “A library capable of accommodating 1.5 million volumes, including a gallery featuring prominent figures and a numismatic collection.” He successfully applied these insights to the design of the Kharkov library.
This small building, located on Petrovsky Lane (now Korolenko Lane), was constructed using advanced European technologies and standards. Contemporary observers particularly praised its efficient functional layout and the system for storing books, which allowed them to be conveniently delivered to the reading rooms via a lifting mechanism. As stated in the 1911 issue of the magazine “Bibliotekar”, among the best libraries of its kind in Russia, this Kharkov building “ranked almost first.”
#1solica_history
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