The Contribution of the Orthodox Fraternity to the Library Affairs of the Right-Bank Ukraine (Second Half of XIX century)

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyze the library activities of the Orthodox church fraternities of the Right Bank of Ukraine in the second half of the XIX century. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that it involves little-known archival documents and published sources, on the basis of which the analysis of the contribution of Orthodox fraternities in the development of the library business is carried out. The specifics of founding and organizing libraries-reading rooms founded by Orthodox church fraternities are shown. It was found that when arranging libraries, fraternities had to be guided by the legal documents governing the activities of libraries in the Russian Empire in the nineteenth century. These documents determined the purpose, conditions and specifics of the work of library institutions. In addition, strict control and supervision by local authorities over compliance with certain rules for the functioning of libraries was established. Libraries in their activities were clearly guided by certain government regulations and monitored the implementation of such regulations. Literature was formed and ordered only according to the established list of literature and periodicals, which the ministry developed and allowed to be used in these institutions. The head and members of the fraternity took care of regular orders for literature, which generally contributed to the quantitative replenishment of the book fund of libraries. By promoting the spread of the library business, the fraternities set themselves the goal of satisfying and raising the educational level of the inhabitants of the towns and villages of the Right-Bank of Ukraine. It was found that members of orthodox fraternities managed to attract a significant number of local residents during the second half of the XIX century.