Libraries Without Borders: A Press Tour of New-Format 24/7 Libraries Held in Almaty

A press tour dedicated to the city’s 24-hour libraries took place in Almaty. Journalists and media representatives saw how the city’s traditional libraries are being transformed into modern, high-tech, and comfortable spaces — where books coexist with innovation and culture has entered the digital age.

Participants visited three branches of the Almaty Libraries network — the Alatau Creative Hub, the Mukhtar Auezov Library, and the Zhambyl City Youth Library. Libraries have long ceased to be merely places for storing books: they have become spaces for communication, work, creativity, and self-development, accessible to everyone — at any time of the day.

Particular attention was drawn to the self-service station installed at the Alatau Creative Hub. Thanks to this system, readers can independently borrow and return books using a single library card. Such stations are part of the large-scale city project “Library within walking distance.” Today, there are 26 autonomous libraries installed in Almaty’s most visited locations — shopping centers and metro stations — with six more planned by the end of the year.

During the press tour, participants also learned about the inclusive sections operating in seven branches. These areas are equipped with modern devices featuring Braille programs and audio interfaces, providing equal access to literature for people with special needs. For residents with limited mobility, a free home book delivery service operates with the support of the Almaty Akimat and Yandex Qazaqstan.

Another highlight was the introduction of an automated library information system (ALIS), which integrates collections, accelerates literature searches, and creates a unified electronic catalog.

The press tour also included a briefing with the heads of Almaty Libraries, where journalists received answers about digitalization, inclusion, and the prospects for expanding 24-hour library branches. The leaders emphasized that the goal of developing next-generation libraries is to create an open cultural space where every Almaty resident can find inspiration, knowledge, and like-minded people.

“A digital library is not a replacement for a traditional one — it’s a continuation. We combine technology and culture to make knowledge more accessible and reading more modern and convenient,” said Aliya Inkarbek, head of the Mukhtar Auezov Library.

The digital transformation of the library system is also evident online. On the official website www.almatylibrary.kz, users can access an electronic reading room, take a virtual 3D tour of libraries, register for a library card online, and request home book delivery. Currently, more than 30,000 publications are available in digital format, with over 13,000 digitized just this year — accounting for 61% of the total collection (49,492 titles).

The next step is the launch of the Almaty Libraries mobile app in 2026, which will allow readers to manage their profiles, reserve books, and access the catalog directly from their smartphones.

The 24-hour libraries have already become an integral part of city life. Students, schoolchildren, families, and representatives of creative industries come here to read, relax, discuss ideas, and develop projects. The press tour showed that Almaty Libraries are confidently keeping pace with the times — preserving the spirit of enlightenment while opening new dimensions of interaction between people, culture, and knowledge.