Главная Кафедры Social and humanitarian disciplines and world languages Новости кафедры The most significant stepping stones toward the progress of our nation are BOOKS
26 June 2025                  84
The most significant stepping stones toward the progress of our nation are BOOKS

“The most significant stepping stones toward the progress of our nation are books. Therefore, we must consistently foster a high reading culture within society.” This opinion, expressed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is essential for everyone working in the fields of education, science, and culture to understand and embrace. To effectively address this issue, which is among the core values in educating university students, it is necessary to:
provide historical knowledge about the development of book publishing,
develop students’ skills in critically analyzing the works of renowned thinkers,
introduce them to outstanding masterpieces preserved in book museums,
and inspire them to explore the vast world called the BOOK.

During a scientific expedition to Omsk (Russian Federation), productive research was conducted at the Historical Archive of the Omsk Region, and further investigations were carried out at the A.S. Pushkin Omsk Regional Scientific Library. A rare opportunity also arose to visit the only "Miniature Book Museum" in Siberia, where the smallest book in the world is housed—a masterpiece by craftsman A.N. Konenko, which is officially recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. The museum offers an interactive tour titled “The Infinite World of Tiny Books,” which includes a workshop on “Creating a Miniature Book.” Every visitor is welcome to try their hand at making a miniature copy themselves.

The museum showcases an impressive collection of micro-miniature books crafted from wood, leather, birch bark, papyrus, and stone; international literary works; miniature facsimiles from Pushkin’s era; and artistic book design masterpieces. Among the oldest items is the Polish Poetry Anthology published in 1833. Of particular admiration is a miniature edition of the Qur’an printed in the mid-19th century that fits into a matchbox. These exhibitions reflect the deep care and reverence specialists in the book industry hold toward the written word.

Books are a source of knowledge about our multipolar world. The beauty conveyed through photo illustrations of miniature book masterpieces will undoubtedly evoke intellectual and emotional responses, contribute to the development of students’ moral values, and serve as a powerful motivational tool in promoting a culture of reading among the youth.