History
The First Libraries
In the late 19th century, when Almaty was called Verny, the first libraries appeared, becoming the starting point for the development of library culture in the city. The earliest mention of a library in Almaty is the Kazakh-Russian second-class library, opened in 1858. It was established at the Kazakh-Russian school, which became the first educational institution in the city. The library was intended for students and provided them with access to books and educational materials.
In 1887, the City Municipal Library was established to provide city residents with access to books and information resources. It was a time when the printed word played an important role in the dissemination of knowledge and culture.
Soviet Period
During the Soviet era, libraries in Almaty received a new impetus for development, which significantly influenced their role and functions. New libraries and branches were opened, including central and specialized libraries, to meet the growing needs of the population for access to knowledge and information.
In 1931, the Gorky City Scientific Library was opened. It became one of the largest and most prestigious libraries in Almaty. It provided access to an extensive collection of scientific and literary works, encyclopedias, reference books, and periodicals. The library also held lectures and organized cultural events and exhibitions.
In 1933, a library was established at the Almaty State University. It served as a research and educational center, providing access to a wide range of literature and scientific resources and contributing to the development of education and science in the region.
An important achievement for the development of librarianship was the establishment of the Central Library named after M. O. Auezov in 1941. This library became one of the symbols of Almaty’s cultural heritage and is the largest library in Kazakhstan. It assembled a rich collection of books, including unique rare editions, and became a center for research and study of the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people.
Modern Trends
Modern libraries in Almaty are actively introducing information technologies to keep up with current trends and meet the needs of their visitors. They create electronic catalogs that allow users to search and order books online, and provide the opportunity to read electronic versions of books and journals through their websites or dedicated applications.
Modern libraries in Almaty actively organize various events aimed at attracting visitors and developing the cultural community. They strive to be not only a place for storing and accessing information, but also centers of cultural exchange and interaction.
Libraries in Almaty also actively cooperate with other institutions and organizations, including educational institutions, research institutes, cultural centers, and museums. They organize joint events and exchange of exhibits and information, which helps strengthen cultural ties and expand access to knowledge and information.
Overall, modern libraries in Almaty are actively adapting to current technological and social changes, seeking to provide their visitors with broad access to information, education, and cultural opportunities. They continue to play an important role in the development of society and the cultural life of the city.
History of the Almaty City Centralized Library System
The Centralized Library System of Almaty (hereinafter — the Library) was established in 1984. Its creation was preceded by the centralization of libraries in the city, which was carried out in 3 stages. In July 1976, children’s libraries were centralized. In January 1977, 21 mass libraries of the city began operating under centralization.
By decision No. 231 of the Almaty City Executive Committee of the Council of People’s Deputies “On the merger of the central systems of children’s and mass libraries of Almaty” of January 24, 1984, the centralized systems of children’s and mass libraries of Almaty were merged and the Centralized Library System of Almaty was established.
The main goal of the State Institution “Centralized Library System of Almaty” is library and bibliographic service to the population and meeting its cultural needs.
2000, declared by the First President of the Republic as the “Year of Support for Culture,” contributed to the opening of the Library of Kazakh Writers (BKP) on the basis of branch No. 13 in Almaty.
In September 2000, at a meeting of the Maslikhat of the Almaty City Akimat, the issue of culture was considered, where the work of the Library and proposals for improving library services to the population of Almaty were presented.
By resolution of the Almaty City Akimat No. 1/190 of March 26, 2015 “On the reorganization of certain communal state institutions of the Almaty City Culture Department,” the institutions “Centralized Library System of Almaty,” “State Youth Library named after Zhambyl,” and “State Children’s Library named after S. Begalin” were merged into the State Communal Institution “Centralized Library System of Almaty” of the Almaty City Culture Department.
In 2017, as part of the “Rukhani Zhangyru” program, the modernization of the Library’s branches began to create a modern complex of services, a creative atmosphere for communication and reading.
In 2018, the Zhambyl City Youth Library was modernized. The library gained a modern “Open space” with areas for working with books, electronic information, viewing documentary and educational films, holding presentations and intellectual clubs.
In 2019, 5 branches of the Library were modernized:
- Branch Library No. 15
- Branch Library No. 20
- Branch Library No. 24
- Branch Library No. 32
- Branch Library No. 33
In 2020, 10 branches of the Library:
- Chekhov Central City Library
- Library of Kazakh Writers
- Krylov City Children’s Library
- Branch libraries No. 1, 4, 6, 26, 29, 30, 44
Following the modernization of the branches, the Almaty City Culture Department held a press tour with journalists from leading city media and bloggers. The Library’s branches not only gained a new look but also changed their operating hours — daily from 9:00 to 20:00, with no days off. After modernization, each branch increased the number of seating places, and various areas for individual work, communication, events, and internet halls were created.
In December 2020, as part of the “City Without Outskirts” strategy, the new creative space “ALATAU CREATIVE HUB” opened in the Nurkent microdistrict (Alatau district). The center offers opportunities for learning programming, developing creative industries, creative potential, and virtual art.
In 2021, the new-format library “Almaly Kitaphanasy” opened at 46 Maulenov St. It features multifunctional zones: a reading room, coworking space, and demonstration areas.
In 2025, a new branch of Almaty Libraries opened at 247/7 Rozybakiev St. A modern computer room was equipped, as well as quiet zones for individual work and reading, and spaces for group meetings and creative projects.
In 2026, a library opened at 1B Gerold Belger St. For visitors, a computer room, comfortable quiet zones for individual reading, and spaces for meetings, communication, and creative initiatives are provided.
Currently, 30 branches of Almaty Libraries operate in Almaty, of which 5 branches — the Zhambyl City Youth Library, “Alatau Creative Hub,” the M. Auezov Library, the Library of Kazakh Writers, and the Almaty Libraries branch at 247/7 Rozybakiev St. — operate around the clock.
In 10 branches of Almaty Libraries, special workstations for people with special needs are equipped with Braille programs and audio interfaces for readers with visual impairments and blind visitors.
For citizens with limited mobility, a free home delivery service for books has been organized, implemented jointly with the Almaty City Akimat and Yandex Qazaqstan.
As part of the “Library Within Walking Distance” principle, 32 self-service stations have been installed in high-traffic locations — in shopping centers and the metro. Readers can select and receive books, as well as return materials to any self-service station or library using a reader’s card.