National Library of Russia

In 1795, Catherine II founded the Imperial Public Library, which is now called the Russian National Library of St. Petersburg. Before the first state library, the Empress set the task of creating a "complete collection of Russian books." “Russian books” meant all books published from the very beginning of book printing in Russia, as well as books published in Russian in foreign lands, and books about Russia published in foreign languages. The library opened its doors to the public in 1814. At present, the headquarters of the Russian Library Association is located in the house at 18 Sadovaya Street.