The Polotsk Museum of Belarusian Book Printing turned 25 years old

It opened its doors to visitors on September 8, 1990. Its opening was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the birth of the first Belarusian book printer, Francysk Skaryna.

The largest part of the museum exhibits consists of books: handwritten, early printed, as well as modern editions. Among them are rarities such as "The Teaching Gospel," "The General Menaion," and others. In addition to books, other products are also presented here: magazines and newspapers of different years, postcards, leaflets, calendars, brochures. In order to take a journey through time and imagine the difficult process of creating handwritten books, a book copier's workshop – a scriptorium – has been recreated in the museum, where one can see a monk-scribe with a quill pen in his hand.
On September 10, a round table discussion "Book Heritage in Museum Reflection" will be held on the occasion of the museum's 25th anniversary, during which museum workers and scientists will discuss various issues related to the book theme.

Several exhibitions are planned for September. One will come to Polotsk from Veliky Novgorod. It will feature valuable editions of the 16th-19th centuries. The second will give Polotsk residents and city guests an opportunity to see original editions by Francysk Skaryna, which are kept in the National Library of Belarus – "The First Book of Kings" and "Ecclesiastes." In addition, an exhibition "Best Books of Belarus" is planned, which will introduce all interested parties to the most beautiful Belarusian editions – laureates of the National Competition "The Art of the Book-2014."

Maria BUDKEVICH, "Vitbichi".