Kazakhstan to update library collections nationwide

Deputy PM and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva chaired a meeting on the comprehensive implementation of the Presidential Decree "On Measures to Develop a Reading Culture and Form a Reading Nation"

Minister of Education Zhuldyz Suleimenova, as well as representatives from the ministries of Culture and Information, National Economy, AI and Innovation Development, Science and Higher Education, Defense, and Internal Affairs attended the event.

Vice Minister of Culture and Information Rustam Ali presented the main points of the Comprehensive Plan, which includes measures to develop library and publishing sectors, promote reading, and create a modern digital infrastructure.

According to him, the document includes over 50 activities across nine key areas, including the legal regulation of the book industry.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Culture and Information is placing special emphasis on the modernization of the library sector. Currently, there are 3,887 public libraries operating in the country, with a total collection exceeding 72.5 mln items. In 2025, library attendance reached a record high, with over 57 mln visits recorded.

In the current year, four libraries have been modernized and six new ones have opened. By the end of the year, another 24 libraries in five regions of the country are planned for modernization.

Aida Balayeva ordered a comprehensive analysis of library operations, including the state of infrastructure and buildings, the adequacy of book collections, and their relevance to public demand. Based on the findings, it is necessary to identify shortage areas in literature especially for children and youth and to develop proposals for the further development and replenishment of library funds.

Zhuldyz Suleimenova reported on the implementation of measures to develop a reading culture among children and youth. The ministry has launched the "Children's Library" and "Oqyrman" platforms, which expand students' access to literature and modern reading services. Another key priority is the developmentmof reading clubs within educational organizations. As a result, a unified "Reading School" model will be introduced to foster a sustainable reading culture. Within this model, the "Reading Together" project will be implemented, aimed at increasing children's interest in reading through the personal examples of parents and teachers.

In turn, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education Gulzat Kobenova spoke about approaches to promoting a reading culture among university students, including the development of university libraries and the organization of student reading clubs.

Following the discussion, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education was instructed to analyze the availability of specialized subject literature and to review the content of educational literature used in teacher training.

Special attention will also be paid to studying and analyzing the library collections of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Providing military units and departmental institutions with modern, meaningful, and professional literature is of particular importance. Based on the analysis, needs must be identified and proposals prepared for the further replenishment and updating of these library funds.