The Library for Foreign Literature named after M.I. Rudomino - one of the largest in Russia (more than 5 min. Items in 140 languages) - functions as a cultural center supplying its users with the information about foreign culture, literature, history and modern way of life. The Library poseses a representative collection of children's books (approx. 5000 vol.) and reference materials on the subject and functions as the main source of information about foreign children's books throughout Russia. The Children's department in the Library for Foreign Literature was opened in 1990. It consists of the Children's Reading Room, Reference Survice, and Educational Center, dealing with language and culture studies. On the open acces in the Reading Room there are more than 4000 children's books - both fiction and popular science - in different languages, first of all English, French, German, Spanish - those, which are studied in schools. The main goal of the Reading Room is to encourage children and young adults to read books in foreign languages, to support their desire for self-education. Various classes for those who are eager to improve their language skills functions in the Library and are most popular with children and parents. Family reading is most favoured in the Library. The Lending department has been opened recently. The Children's Department has established fruitful contacts with other libraries, schools, colleges, museums and theaters. We try to spread the info4rmation about the most distinguished foreign children's books by means of publications, book's exhibitions, seminars and lectures. We try to promote new translations and work in contact with publishers. We have established contacts with many foreign colleagues and have already launched several mutual projects. We are looking for new friends and are willing to cooperate with our colleagues in other countries. |