National Library of Uzbekistan, National library in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The National Library of Uzbekistan is the country's main public library, located in central Tashkent. It is organized into several reading halls grouped by subject and language, with dedicated sections for foreign literature, scientific publications, rare editions, and academic dissertations.
The library was founded in 1870 as a public reading room in Tashkent, during the period of Russian imperial administration in the region. A presidential decree in 2002 elevated it to national status, giving it formal responsibility for collecting and safeguarding the written output of the country.
The library is named after Alisher Navoi, one of the most celebrated poets of Central Asia, and this connection shapes how the space is experienced. Some reading rooms are dedicated to specific authors or periods, giving visitors a sense of the literary traditions that are still active in Uzbek everyday life.
The library has computer terminals for searching the collection, and books can be requested for use in the reading halls on site. It is worth checking access conditions in advance, as some sections may require registration or a form of identification.
The library uses an automated conveyor system to physically move requested books between floors and sections of the building, which is uncommon for a public library in the region. Watching a book arrive at your reading desk through this system is one of the more memorable parts of a visit.
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