There is a profession that stands on three pillars: love for books, patience, and silence. A librarian. A person who knows where "War and Peace" is located and which author's detective novels are the funniest. It seems that libraries are dying along with paper books. But no. On May 27, Russia celebrates Library Day. And this is not a tribute to the past, but an acknowledgment: without them, our knowledge would have turned into chaos. When and why May 27 Library Day in Russia is an unofficial holiday. It appeared in 1995 on the initiative of President Boris Yeltsin. The date is timed to the foundation of the first state library in Russia — the Imperial Public Library (now the Russian National Library in St. Petersburg). It was opened on May 27, 1795. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Wednesday. On this day, librarians are greeted by colleagues, readers, and writers. Certificates, prizes, flowers are presented, and, of course, books. There is also a professional holiday for school librarians (October 24) and an international one (Library Day — October 24). But May 27 is the main library day in Russia. Who is a librarian today Stereotype: an elderly woman in glasses, scolding visitors. Reality: a librarian is a knowledge manager. He knows how to work with databases, organizes lectures, quests, interest clubs. He knows modern literature, computer programs. Often has two educations — library and pedagogical or IT. In rural libraries, a librarian is also a psychologist, culturologist, and volunteer. He helps pensioners fill out forms, conducts lessons for children, organizes poetry evenings. In large scientific libraries, they are scholars-bibliographers, fluent in several languages. Unfortunately, the salary is low. The average in Russia is 20-30 thousand rubles. Therefore, librarians work out of vocation. For love of books and people. How Library Day is celebrated Each library celebrates in its own way. At the Russian State Library (formerly "Leninka" ... Read more