«For the common good»

Dear readers!

Browsing the pages of the museum of the Odesa National Scientific Library, you immerse into the world of history and the present of the oldest public library in Ukraine. For a long time of its existence, the library has experienced different periods, both ascension and failure, but it has always been a center of culture, knowledge, a keeper of historical memory.

It has always been a great honor for scholars, writers and artists to bring their works to funds of originally a municipal, and then a state and national favorite library. They knew that their labors would remain here forever and would be useful to their descendants. And today our five-million fund continues to be replenished with gifts from library supporters.

History is always created by people. That is why the story of those who worked in the library and who gave it their knowledge, skill, life, will help to understand why the library has always occupied such an important place in the history of Odesa. The task that was set in the first quarter of the 19th century: “it is necessary to establish a public library in Odesa” – was fulfilled. Today Odesa National Scientific Library is really a public library in the highest sense of this word: it worthily fulfills its responsibilities as a modern scientific, informational, cultural and educational center of the state. By creating a museum of history of ONSL, we want to not only dip into the past and open its glorious pages, but also to highlight a path of the library to the future.

Join the large readership of our favorite library. We are happy to open the door for everyone who wish to deepen their knowledge, to take advantage of the achievements of world culture, to find like-minded people on this path.

We appeal to colleagues and friends of the library, its readers and partners who had a great opportunity to work at ONSL in different years, to implement common projects, to take part in various events etc. Perhaps in an archives of your family or service you will find unique items that will worthily complement the exposition of the museum of history of ONSL. You can send the information by e-mail: