500 Years of Belarusian Book Printing

The relevant decision was announced by Chief Executive of the British Library Roly Keating during the meeting with Director of Belarus’ National Library Roman Motulsky in London.

Alexander Susha noted that the British Library organized a function on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Belarusian book printing. It was the first time that the national library of the United Kingdom hosted an event with the participation of Belarusians. On 27 February, the parties signed the memorandum of understanding between Belarus’ National Library and the British Library Board. The same day the British Library hosted the anniversary conference, the presentation of Francysk Skaryna Book Legacy facsimile edition and the ceremony of its donation to the British Library. The Belarusian delegation also got acquainted with the British Library unique collection of Belarusian books.

The same day the British Library hosted the conference on the 500th anniversary of the Belarusian book printing, attended by Slavists, the British Library staff, the Belarusian diplomats, general public, and journalists. The conference featured the donation ceremony of Francysk Skaryna Book Legacy, a many-volume facsimile edition, to the British Library, whose collection features several valuable editions printed by Francysk Skaryna in Prague and Vilnius. During the ceremony, Chief Executive of the British Library Roly Keating promised to donate high-quality digital copies of these editions to Belarus’ National Library.