National Library, Bishkek

The National Library has a rich history that reflects the country's evolution and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Established in 1934 during Soviet rule in Frunze (now Bishkek), the library was formed by merging the Central City Library and the Scientific Library. Initially named the N.G. Chernyshevsky State Library of the Kyrgyz USSR, it paid homage to the ideologies that fueled the project, with Chernyshevsky being seen as a forerunner to Lenin.

Over the years, the library played a vital role in collecting and preserving publications. In 1939, it became a book depository, receiving mandatory copies of items published in the USSR. In 1940, it started receiving mandatory copies of domestic publications as well. The library's work expanded, and in 1950, the Department of Local Studies and Kyrgyz Books was established to promote Kyrgyz press and local history literature. In 1961, the National Bibliography Department was formed to document works published in Kyrgyzstan, making the records accessible to citizens and centralized authorities in Moscow.

In 1984, the library moved to its current location, a large seven-story building designed to store three million storage units. The building was named after Vladimir Lenin during the Soviet era. After Kyrgyzstan gained independence, the library was renamed the National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic and classified as a valuable national heritage representing the country's historical and cultural legacy. Today, the library is named after Alykul Osmonov, a Kyrgyz poet.

The National Library of Kyrgyzstan serves as a significant cultural institution, preserving and promoting the country's literary heritage. With its vast collection and modern approach to engagement, it continues to play a crucial role in providing access to knowledge and preserving Kyrgyzstan's rich cultural history for present and future generations.