Kutaisi Public Library, named after Ilia Chavchavadze for over a century and a half

Abstract

Kutaisi Ilia Chavchavadze Public Library is one of the oldest libraries in Georgia, boasting a collection of over a million library documents including books, periodicals, and CD-DVD collections. Its collection spans both Georgian and foreign language literature, encompassing unique and rare publications that are considered national treasures.

Founded in 1873 by Anton Lortkipanidze, the library celebrated its 150th anniversary recently. From its inception, it has been a gathering place for the intellectual community of Kutaisi. In 1893, Anton Lortkipanidze donated his book collection to establish the city’s public library, laying the foundation for its growth.

Over the years, the library underwent several transformations. In 1930, it was renamed Kutaisi State Public Library with Kosta Tavberidze appointed as its first director. The library moved to its current location in 1934, originally the residence of merchant Giorgi Stefanes dze Akofov, and expanded in 1914-1915 to include a third floor based on engineer E. Fricke’s design.

In 1957, the library was named after Ilia Chavchavadze, a prominent Georgian writer and public figure. By 1974, all city and children’s libraries in Kutaisi were centralized under its administration. Today, the Kutaisi Ilia Chavchavadze Public Library operates under the city’s self-government with 12 branches, including 10 city branches, 2 children’s branches, a literary house named after Andria Sinauri, and an American Corner established in 2012 with support from the American Embassy.

The library serves as a regional coordination and methodological center for the Imereti region, providing methodological assistance to various libraries. Currently, it operates with 17 departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific work as its main priority. The library caters to all categories of readers, maintaining its role as a cornerstone of cultural and educational life in Kutaisi and beyond.

Since 2009, important projects have been implemented in the library:

• Every year, an international scientific conference on Georgian and librarianship is Reports (from both present and absent participants) are published in the library’s scientific collection „Yearbook“. Fourteen volumes of the „Yearbook“ have already been published. The collection has a website: https://yearbook.openjournals. ge/index.php/kly. The digital version is also available in the digital library of the National Library of the Parliament of Georgia, Iverieli: https://dspace.nplg.gov.ge/ Weliwdeuli.

Collections of analytical bibliographies of periodicals from the Imereti region are developed and published.

Additionally, three author competitions are organized by the library:

• 2013 - International photo competition „Book through the Lens“ (13th City Library).
• 2015 - Literary competition „Golden Leaf of Chadri“.
• 2022 - Calligraphy

In 2022, the „White Bridge“ magazine was founded. To date, four issues have been published.

Despite the age of its funds and the library itself, it is impossible to discuss a modern library today without electronic resources. Therefore, the library constantly strives to utilize all means to develop its electronic resources. To achieve this, it not only acquires electronic information databases but also creates its own. This year, the electronic cataloging process of the Georgian book fund was completed at http: // opacqutaisi.gela.org.ge/. Some libraries have already begun electronic cataloging of their foreign language book collections. Since 2015, the library has participated in a joint project with the National Library of the Parliament of Georgia and Geocell, titled „Digital  Photo  Chronicle“ (https://dspace.nplg.gov.ge/handle/1234/104502).  The project aims to preserve the history of the Imereti region and our city by discovering and collecting digital versions of photo collections held in private families and unknown to the public. This year, the Kutaisi Public Library launched the digital library „Uchimerion“. Work is underway to digitize the library’s book collections and periodicals and place them in the aforementioned digital database.

The Kutaisi Public Library serves as a beloved meeting place for the Kutaisi community. Numerous events are held here annually, including book presentations, conferences, public lectures, poetry evenings, competitions, discussions on current issues, creative sessions, anniversaries, meetings, and more.

The library rightfully takes pride in its collection of unique and rare publications. Noteworthy among them are incunabula such as Domitius Calderon’s „Commentary of Martialis“ (1498), Dionysius Lambini’s „Horace“ (1595), and „Law of Batonishvili’s Vakhtang“ (1828), among others.

Through its depository-exchange fund, the Kutaisi Public Library supports libraries of various types and agencies throughout Georgia, as well as in rural areas, in strengthening their book collections.

The library is an active member of the Georgian Library Association and the Consortium of Georgian Libraries.