On 7–8 September 2026 the P. P. Bazhov library reopened in the Leninsky District of Nizhny Novgorod after a major overhaul and modernisation to the model library standard — the ninth model library in the city and the second in the district.[1] It stands on Kirovskaya Street.[2]

The renovation and the new space

The overhaul made it possible to enlarge the space for events. The library now has a creative studio for group and individual classes, a children's room, a co-working area and an open-access book space.[1] The rooms were fitted with modern computers giving access to the National Electronic Library, interactive panels, VR headsets, 3D printers and music equipment.[2] The book collection was renewed by 20 per cent: about three thousand new titles were bought, bringing the total to some thirteen thousand books.[3]

The interior refers to Bazhov's collection of tales "The Malachite Box" and to the colours of the Urals — the small assembly hall, for instance, is decorated as a malachite casket lined with green velvet.[2] Local history editions carry QR codes leading to digital material on the history of the district and the city.[1]

Programme and expected attendance

The head of the library Natalya Martemyanova said a programme of events had been prepared for visitors: concerts with musicians of the regional philharmonic, educational and patriotic events and creative master classes. Besides books, visitors may borrow board games and construction sets.[1] According to mayor Yury Shalabaev, the library is designed for about 47,000 visitors a year.[3]

At the opening Shalabaev noted that since 2024 the number of visitors to all libraries of Nizhny Novgorod had grown by almost 23 per cent, reaching 5.4 million a year.[1][3]

Sources

  1. NIA Nizhny Novgorod — The Malachite library reopens after modernisation in Nizhny Novgorod
  2. GTRK Nizhny Novgorod (Vesti) — The renovated Bazhov Malachite library opens in Nizhny Novgorod
  3. Newsroom24 — The Malachite library opens in the Leninsky District of Nizhny Novgorod
  4. GiperNN — The Malachite library reopens after renovation in Nizhny Novgorod
  5. Otkrytiy Nizhny — The ninth model library opens its doors (archived)