Third-year students of the Tourism educational programme, together with senior lecturers of the Department of Social Work and Tourism, Gizzatzhanova A.G. and Muslimbekova M.A., visited the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event took place in Astana at the library building located at 11 Dostyk Street, from 13:00 to 16:00. The excursion was organised with the aim of familiarising students with one of the country's principal cultural centres.
Participants were given a guided tour of the library's halls, which house rare books, archival documents, and contemporary digital resources. Students learned about the history of the library's establishment, its role in preserving Kazakhstan's cultural heritage, and the potential for utilizing such institutions in the tourism sector.
Particular interest was aroused by the library's interactive projects, which combine modern technologies and traditions. Tour guide Alua Tugelbayevna gave a captivating account of the library's operations, its significance for Kazakhstan's culture, and how it can be of interest to tourists.
Students also visited the Book Museum, opened in 2015, which currently houses more than 13,000 books. They familiarized themselves with rare editions, ancient manuscripts, a corner dedicated to scholar Zaki Akhmetov and his personal library, as well as the museum's unique exhibit — a book bound in human skin dated 1532 — and much more.
Special gratitude is expressed to the management and staff of the National Academic Library for their considerable work in promoting the comprehensive and harmonious development of the individual, creating a comfortable library environment, instilling a love of reading, nurturing a culture of communication, and broadening intellectual horizons. Particular appreciation is extended to Alua Tugelbayevna for her professionalism and engaging presentation.
Such events help students expand their professional knowledge and develop skills in working with cultural sites that may become part of Kazakhstan's tourism industry.