National Academic Library
The National Academic Library of Kazakhstan, established in 2004, is a prominent cultural institution located in the heart of Astana. The library building stands tall with its five stories and houses a total of 17 halls. Within its premises, there are nine reading rooms, each catering to specific areas of interest, such as the Indian Studies Hall, the American Corner, the Korean Center, and the German Literature Hall.
In 2010, the library introduced a cutting-edge monorail transport system, stretching over 450 meters, facilitating the swift delivery of books from storage to the reading rooms within a matter of minutes.
Library collections
Speaking of its collection, the National Academic Library boasts an impressive assortment of over 1.5 million books, including a remarkable 13,000 rare exhibits. Moreover, the library receives a vast number of domestic and foreign periodicals, surpassing a thousand titles.
With its capacity to store up to 2.5 million books, the library's vault provides ample space to accommodate its ever-expanding collection. The library's literature on art encompasses a diverse range of resources, with over 10,000 printed and electronic documents. This extensive collection includes books on music, architecture, cinema, and theater, as well as albums showcasing painting, graphics, and sculpture.
Meanwhile, the Fund of Fiction encompasses a rich assortment of literary works, featuring the creations of Kazakh writers, world classics, contemporary literature in both Kazakh and Russian, and a selection of books tailored for children.
Bound in human skin
Among the library's prized possessions is a rare and peculiar book, notable for its cover crafted from human skin. This unique artifact, dating back to the 16th century, is written in Latin, and its content remains only partially translated. To unravel the manuscript's contents, the library's staff has sought the assistance of foreign experts. As of now, only 16 out of the 396 pages have been translated. The book is believed to be a diary penned by an Italian notary, chronicling matters of debts, loans, and financial affairs. The study and exploration of this remarkable manuscript are still ongoing.
How to get there?
Address: 11 Dostyk St.
The National Academic Library is situated on Nurzhol Boulevard, right next to the Baiterek Monument. It can be reached by buses #12, 18, 28, 30, 32, 40, 46, 50, 51, 52, 56, and 60. The nearest bus stop is «Keruen Shopping Mall».
Other tourist attractions near the library:
- Baiterek Monument
- Nurzhol Boulevard
- Korme Exhibition Center
- Keruen Shopping Mall
- Talan Towers
- Emerald Towers
- Temir Zholy Tower
- Akorda Presidential Palace
- House of Ministries
- Abu Dhabi Plaza
Recommended tours:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Astana Private City Tour: Present")
Join us on a tour of Astana, the youngest capital in the world and the pride of Kazakhstan. The city represents a unique blend of the finest traditions from both the West and the East.
Discover the futuristic landmarks of Astana – a city that embodies a unique blend of Western and Eastern traditions, bridging yesterday's dreams with today's reality.
 (1)_420x650_4ab.jpg "Astana Private Grand Tour: Past into Present")
Explore the capital of Kazakhstan with this tour, starting from the Old Town and gradually moving to newer additions to the city's skyline. See how Astana has grown and evolved over time.