Аннотация:The article examines the issues concerning the opening of Naryshkin reading room in Tambov. It is shown that the opening of a new library promoted education of different groups of citizens. Relevance of the study is conditioned by the important role of Naryshkin reading room in the cultural development of Tambov residents, in the development of new forms of reading culture. Scientific originality of the paper involves comprehensive study on the place of private charity in the regional library system, evaluation of qualitative and quantitative contribution of certain donators to replenishing the funds of the people’s reading room.
