The Russian State Library starts re-opening its buildings on 16 June

The RSL is gradually resuming regular services for readers and visitors, which were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before visiting the library, please be sure to go through the Provisional rules for using the RSL during the period of restrictions .

Photo by Maria Govtvan, RSL

Starting 16 June, the RSL operates at limited capacity (up to 150 visitors a day) and only by appointment. To schedule a visit (up to three times a week), you may use either an online application form or a dedicated phone number. Once the reservation is successfully processed, you will receive a confirmation via your e-mail. You will need to take it with you (print it out or save it on your mobile device) and show it at the entrance to the library.

Photo by Maria Govtvan, RSL

Written, paper-based requests are not currently accepted, so use the e-catalogue to order materials. If a document is missing in the e-catalogue, please contact the RSL staff via the e-mail orderbyemail@rsl. ru or by phone +7 (499) 557-04-70 ext. 63-53. Orders received by e-mail or phone before 16:00 will be processed within the same business day. Orders received after 16:00 will be processed on the following business day, depending on the time when they were submitted.

One reader can order no more than 10 documents per day. We recommend that you pre-order the documents you will need before arriving at the library.

The delivery of books and periodicals from the Khimki building of the RSL will be carried out once a week.

Photo by Maria Govtvan, RSL

Reading rooms 1 and 3 in the main library building are open for visitors. Please use the first entrance to the building. Bibliographic and reference services as well as printing services will also be available. To join the library, please use the registration desk located on the ground floor (2nd entrance).

The safety of readers and employees remains a top priority for the RSL. Visitors should be wearing masks and gloves at all times. Mandatory body temperature checks will be conducted at the entrance: if the temperature is elevated, the visitor will not be allowed into the library. We ask you to maintain a social distance of at least two meters. Please use your own pen to fill out any forms.

Photo by Maria Govtvan, RSL

To prevent the spread of infection, protective screens, ground markings, and hand sanitiser dispensers have been installed in all areas of the library. Employees who interact with visitors are equipped with medical masks and individual protective screens. Rospotrebnadzor’s guidelines for public gatherings are in order. All documents used by readers will be quarantined for three days before they are returned into circulation. Materials that are being quarantined or that have been pre-ordered by another reader cannot be checked-out.

The re-opening schedule (social distancing and appointment rules apply):

• 16 June: reading rooms 1 and 3;
• 23 June: the Book Museum and the Pashkov House: the Rumyantsev Hall, the Department of Cartography, and the Department of Printed Music and Sound Recordings;
• 29 June: the Centre of Oriental Literature and most of the departments located in the main building: the Centre of Legal and Business Information and the Centre of Documents of International Organizations (the Department of Official and Normative Publications), art publications, reading room 2, new arrivals, electronic resources, Russian literature abroad, and materials for official use;
• 1 July: the dissertation and newspaper collections in the Khimki building and the reading room of the Department of Library and Information Science and Book Studies in building K;
• 6 July: the computer and Internet hall.

The RSL is looking forward to welcoming its readers!

Photo by Maria Govtvan, RSL