In Irkutsk, at library No. 32 on Stanislavsky Street, a Library Courtyard opened, an open air reading room in the yard where books and magazines are displayed on benches, and children are offered games, quizzes, and cartoons. The initiative has already attracted about 80 residents, who took 165 items, and the organizers plan to continue the project until autumn.

The staff of Library No. 32 on Stanislavsky Street were offered the idea of creating a reading room called “Library Courtyard.” Books began to be displayed on the streets of Irkutsk in the first days of summer.
- I learned that in many cities such library courtyards have been opened, - says library director Nelli Smirnova, - And we have such a nice children’s playground in the courtyard. There are swings, benches, everything is painted, everything is beautiful. I also wanted to organize such a library courtyard so that people passing by the library would stop and get acquainted with new books and magazines.
All the printed publications that the library subscribes to were laid out right on the benches of the playground. For young Irkutsk residents, fun games and quizzes are held, and the winners are awarded prizes. On the first day of the courtyard’s operation, a cartoon was shown.
In case of bad weather, the literature stands are brought into the library. The coordinators want to instill a love of reading, so the literature will be displayed outdoors until autumn.

“Libraries have become cultural and leisure centers in the neighborhoods of the Oktyabrsky District. They are within walking distance, close to home, so anyone can come here,” noted Tatyana Dostovalova, head of the leisure organization sector of the committee for the administration of the Oktyabrsky District of the Irkutsk city administration. “We have gained interesting experience, so ‘Library Courtyards’ will definitely open next summer. And with the arrival of autumn, we invite all lovers of books and reading, games and entertainment, everyone who wants to spend their leisure time usefully and meaningfully, to the libraries.”
“Library Courtyard” has already welcomed about 80 residents of Irkutsk. In total, 165 copies of books and magazines were taken.
Everyone is welcome at Stanislavsky, 17 every Friday from 3:00 p.m.