Digital copies of Francysk Skaryna's editions to be donated by British Library to National Library of Belarus
The Chief Executive of the British Library, Roly Keating, recently met the Director of the National Library of Belarus, Roman Motulsky, in London. According to the Deputy Director of the National Library of Belarus, Alexander Susha, who attended the meeting, the British Library has organised its first event featuring Belarusians, marking the 500th anniversary of Belarusian book printing.
The two parties have signed a memorandum on mutual understanding between Belarus' National Library and the British Library Board. The same day, the British Library hosted an anniversary conference, presenting a facsimile edition of Francysk Skaryna's book legacy and hosting a ceremony for its donation to the British Library. The Belarusian delegation toured the British Library's unique collection of Belarusian books.
Another important event was a conference dedicated to the 500th anniversary of Belarusian book printing, attended by Slavists, staff of the two libraries, Belarusian diplomats, the general public, and journalists. During the conference, a multi-volume reproduction of Skaryna's book legacy was presented to the British Library, which holds several precious editions by the Belarusian first printer, released in Vilnius and Prague.
The Chief Executive of the British library, Roly Keating, has promised to donate high-quality digital copies of these editions to Belarus' National Library.
Author of the publication: Alexander Pimenov.
Source: The Minsk Times, 30.03.2017.
