Description of the attraction
The Museum-Library of Simeon of Polotsk is located in the building of the former Brotherhood School of the Jesuit Collegium in the city of Polotsk. On May 25, 1994, the museum was reopened after reconstruction. This is a working library and museum of the history of book printing.
The library is designed in the style of university libraries of the 17th-18th centuries. Dark wood furniture, ancient globes, busts of scientists and philosophers, two-level book shelves - everything corresponds to the design of the library of that enlightened time. Visitors have a unique chance to feel like a student of the 17th century, literally touching ancient books and tomes. There is a reading room for 10 workplaces, equipped with the latest word of modern science, but all modern innovations are carefully disguised.
The large exposition is dedicated to the publishing and educational activities of Simeon Polotsky. Here you can see his desk, on which lie, as if waiting for the owner, a writing instrument and manuscripts. The originals of his books "The Rod of Government", "Testoment", "Soul Supper" are also kept here.
The area of the museum exposition occupies 134 square meters, on which 145 items are displayed.
In recent years, the library has become the center of the spiritual, scientific and cultural life of Polotsk. Meetings of scientists and writers, scientific conferences, lectures for students and schoolchildren are regularly held here. Much attention is paid to the upbringing of the younger generation. Competitions, quizzes, Olympiads are organized for schoolchildren.
