Penza, 22 May 2012. PenzaNews. An honorary symbol “Russian Library Capital” representing a stylized malachite book-holder was delivered to the new building of Penza regional library named after M.U. Lermontov. The symbol was transferred to Penza during a closing ceremony of All-Russia library congress which was held in Perm on May 14–17.

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“Penza deservedly won the symbol “Russian Library Capital.” The Council of the Russian library association estimated cities on several positions: quality of visitors service, number of digitized books, the Internet access in libraries and so on,” informed the head of the department of culture and archive of the Penza region Evgeny Shilov during the press conference on Tuesday, May 22.

According to the spokesman, the decisive criteria in choosing Russian library capital in 2013 became the support of local authorities in the development of library sector.

“When we presented a video about the new building of Penza regional library named after M.U. Lermontov in Perm, the audience interrupted it with applause three times and exclaimed “Bravo” at the end,” said Evgeny Shilov.

He also emphasized that All-Russia library congress 2013 will move Penza to a new level.

“Penza specialists will have an opportunity to get acquainted with the leading library practices,” added Evgeny Shilov.