Press releases

MINSK, 24 January (BelTA) - The original Primer of 1618 published with the participation of the Belarusians will go on display at an exhibition in Belarus, Director of Belarus’ National Library Roman Motulsky told a press conference in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

According to Roman Motulsky, the National Library is preparing to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first Primer and planning a lot of events on this occasion in 2018, both in Belarus and abroad. The National Library plans to bring the original book to Belarus with the support of the UK since the only full copy of the Primer is housed in a library in London. Deputy Head of the UK diplomatic mission Ian Fox assured that every effort will be made to bring the Primer to Belarus.

Minsk expects guests from many countries for the international book readings dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the first Primer scheduled for 26-27 April. An exhibition is planned in April to enable the general public to get acquainted with the full range of educational literature.

The National library and its partners intend to present the facsimile edition of the Primer ahead of the Day of Knowledge. The exact date of the presentation has yet to be determined. The book will then go on display during the Belarusian Literature Day events and then will go abroad. Proposals have been made to arrange activities in Lithuania and the UK. The opportunities for the presentation of the book in other countries are under discussion.

Roman Motulsky added that the libraries of Belarus and the UK are just embarking on the path of active cooperation. There are many ideas for joint implementation, he added.