Nizhny Novgorod teachers-librarians are invited to participate in the All-Russian professional skills competition.

      On August 5, 2026, at 17:19, the Russian Society "Knowledge" together with the Ministry of Education of Russia opened the application process for the All-Russian Professional Skills Competition "Best School Librarian in Russia." Applications can be submitted until September 30. The competition is being held on the instruction of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and aims to support librarian teachers who develop modern school libraries, promote reading, and implement educational projects for children and youth.

      The first season of the competition brought together more than 2,800 librarian teachers from 89 regions of Russia. Participants presented their original practices for the development of school libraries, organization of educational events, support for children's reading, and the implementation of modern approaches in the educational environment.

      As a result of the competition trials, 15 winners and 28 prizewinners from 27 regions of Russia were determined. The best original practices were published on the official competition website and are now being used by educators from various regions of the country.

      "We pay great attention to the development of school libraries as one of the most important tools for shaping values in the younger generation. Three lists of works recommended by the Ministry of Education of Russia have been sent to all schools: for study within the framework of literary reading and literature, for extracurricular reading, and a list of works with a patriotic focus created by contemporary writers. We are systematically working to raise the status of the school librarian. And this competition is an important step to show that a librarian today is a mentor, a guide to the world of knowledge," said Sergey Kravtsov.

      Active employees of general education organizations responsible for the activities of school libraries are invited to participate in the second season. Applications are accepted until September 30 on the official project page. Winners will be determined in three categories - among schools with up to 200 students, from 201 to 500 students, and over 500 students.

      "Today, the school library is becoming an important part of the educational environment - a space where children gain access to knowledge, develop curiosity, thinking, and interest in reading. The work of librarian teachers plays a key role in this space, as they help students discover new things every day and shape a modern reading culture. The first season of the competition showed how in demand their professional practices are. In the second season, we expect to unite even more strong specialists so that the best practices become available to schools across the country," noted Maxim Dreval, General Director of the Russian Society "Knowledge."

      As part of the competition trials, participants will conduct educational events for schoolchildren using materials from the Russian Society "Knowledge." For conducting classes, one of two formats can be chosen - a master lecture or an intellectual tournament Knowledge.Game.

      In the next stage, school staff will present their own practices for the development of the school library, popularization of reading, and engaging children in educational activities to the expert council. Finalists will meet in Moscow, where they will have to solve practical cases based on real professional situations. The names of the winners will be announced in December 2026 as part of the II International Forum of School Librarians.

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