National Scientific Library of North Ossetia-Alania

Overview

The National Scientific Library of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania is a state public library in Vladikavkaz, Russia, and one of the oldest libraries in the North Caucasus.

History

The library opened on September 20, 1895, as the "Vladikavkaz Public Library," founded by Varvara Grigoryevna Shreders and the Ossetian poet Kosta Levanovich Khetagurov. From 1945 to 1995 it operated as the State Scientific Library of the North Ossetian ASSR named for S.M. Kirov. On May 21, 1997, by decree of the President of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, it was renamed the National Scientific Library, a designation confirmed by a February 9, 1998 government resolution granting it status as a national treasure. On June 19, 1981, the library moved to a purpose-built building at Kotsoeva Street 43, designed by architect A.I. Kantemirov.

Collections, Holdings, and Publications

The library serves as the republic's national book depository and center for local-history bibliography, and functions as a scientific-methodological center for libraries within the Ministry of Culture of North Ossetia-Alania. It compiles the annual state bibliographic index "Letopis Pechati Respubliki Severnaya Osetiya-Alaniya."

Access and Usage

The library is located at Kotsoeva Street 43, Vladikavkaz, and is open Tuesday through Sunday.